EU’s military aid plans for Ukraine encounter roadblocks in ammunition and funding delivery

The EU’s upcoming plans to support Ukraine with ammunition and financial aid are facing delays. The union initially promised to deliver 1 million rounds of artillery ammunition and allocate billions in cash. This is reported by Politico.

However, as EU defense ministers prepare to convene in Brussels, obstacles are emerging in fulfilling these commitments. Concerns are growing among diplomats regarding the delivery of the promised 1 million rounds of ammunition to Kyiv within a year, crucial for Ukraine’s conflict against Russia. Additionally, the allocation of fresh funds has become entangled in a tense political discussion. An EU official disclosed that only 300,000 rounds have been sent since February 9, significantly behind schedule to meet the earlier pledged million rounds. A senior diplomat, speaking anonymously, expressed doubts about achieving the target by mid-March.

Industry experts attribute staff shortages and difficulty in sourcing sufficient explosives as major challenges hindering contractors’ efforts to escalate production. Despite this setback, the EU official reassured that more rounds would be dispatched through another procurement program. Acknowledging the hurdles, the official emphasized the overarching issue of industrial capacity.

Simultaneously, efforts to formulate a new €20 billion assistance package for Ukraine over four years through the EU’s European Peace Facility face contention. Hungary remains an obstacle, blocking a €500 million payment from existing EPF funds due to sanctions on a local bank. While the EU stands unified in supporting Ukraine, member states are divided on further financing methods. The debate includes considerations on reimbursing countries for arms deliveries either as a lump sum or on an annual basis.

Regarding the proposed €20 billion package, a diplomat mentioned that discussions must first finalize how the fund operates before allocating funds. Closure on this matter is unlikely during the forthcoming Tuesday meeting. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, during a recent EU leaders’ meeting, exercised caution in committing additional funds amid ongoing debates on efficiently utilizing the bloc’s long-term budget until 2027. Scholz emphasized the significant bilateral assistance provided by various countries, especially Germany, signaling continued support for Ukraine as a focal point.