Germany is set to deliver a batch of 10,000 artillery rounds to Ukraine in the imminent future to bolster its defenses against ongoing Russian aggression. This decision was announced by Christian Freudinger, the head of the situational center on Ukraine at the German Defense Ministry. In an interview with DW, Freudinger outlined a three-stage plan to supply ammunition to Ukraine, marking a significant ramp-up in military aid.
The initial consignment of 10,000 rounds is part of a broader strategy to address Ukraine’s urgent need for artillery shells, ammunition, missiles for modern air defense systems, and armored fighting vehicles. Recognizing the acute shortage that has already impacted the battlefield dynamics, notably contributing to the loss of the key front-line city of Avdiivka, Germany’s rapid response underscores its commitment to supporting Ukraine.
Beyond this immediate assistance, Germany’s medium-term plan involves financially backing the Czech initiative to procure an additional 180,000 shells. These rounds are set to be delivered to Kyiv in the second half of the current year. The long-term perspective includes a bilateral agreement, the counterpart of which has not been disclosed, to provide another 100,000 rounds starting approximately in the fourth quarter.
The urgency of this aid cannot be overstated. Freudinger stated, Ukraine urgently needs artillery shells, ammunition, missiles for modern air defense systems, and armored fighting vehicles the most. This need is set against the backdrop of a broader international effort to supply Ukraine with the necessary ammunition to counter Russian forces effectively.
At the beginning of 2023, the European Union pledged to deliver one million artillery rounds to Ukraine within a year. However, due to certain challenges, this timeline has been extended, with the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Josep Borrell, announcing a new deadline by the end of 2024. On a more immediate note, Czechia has been proactive in sourcing hundreds of thousands of rounds from non-EU countries and has called upon allies to aid in the procurement effort.
Germany’s recent announcement follows a substantial aid package unveiled earlier in the month, which included these artillery rounds. This aid package is part of a substantial German contribution to Ukraine, which as of January, totaled approximately 17.7 billion euros in military assistance, making Germany the second-largest military donor to Ukraine after the United States.
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– Germany may transfer 10,000 shells to Ukraine in a few days, Ukrainska Pravda, Wed, 27 Mar 2024 20:01:27 GMT
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