EU prepares to supply ammunition to Ukraine

Josep Borrell, High Representative for Foreign Relations and Security Policy of the European Union (EU), said that they will provide Ukraine with the military ammunition it needs.

Borrell has made some statements to the press before the meeting of the foreign affairs ministers of the EU member states in Brussels. Pointing out that approximately 350 million people in the world are extremely poor and in a dangerous situation, Borrell emphasized that these people were in a bad situation before the Russia-Ukraine War, but the humanitarian situation became extremely dangerous with the war.

Borrell, regarding the extension of the Grain Corridor Agreement for the export of cereals and food from Ukraine, said: “We congratulate the United Nations (UN) and Turkey for this diplomatic effort.” Noting that the Grain Corridor Agreement must be implemented “without delay,” Borrell asserted that otherwise there would be loss of life.

Borrell said that in the first part of the meeting they will discuss the situation in Ukraine, the latest events and how they will support Ukraine. Noting that defense ministers will also attend the afternoon session, Borrell said: “We look forward to completing the agreement on ammunition supplies to Ukraine.”

3 STAGE PLAN

Borrell stated that they have a three-stage approach to provide around 2 billion euros worth of ammunition for Ukraine to continue defending itself. Emphasizing that he expected the ministers to agree on this issue and make a very important decision, Borrell said: “Otherwise it will be difficult for us to continue supplying Ukraine with weapons.”

Borrell said: “We provided 2 billion euros for the purchase of ammunition. “We know what kind of ammunition Ukraine needs,” he said. Stating that Ukraine needs 155,152 and 102-millimeter artillery shells, Borrell said: “We know what they need. We will provide them with the ammunition they need,” he said.

Asked by a reporter if there were enough 155mm shells in Europe, Borrell said: “We must produce more. To produce more, we need to increase our production capacity.”

Stating that ammunition held by EU countries will be shipped to Ukraine in the first stage and further production will take place in the second stage, Borrell explained that industrial capacity for further production will be developed in the third stage. Borrell stressed that funding and capacity are available and that member states must act together.

PUTIN MUST BE ARRESTED IMMEDIATELY

Regarding the arrest warrant of the International Criminal Court against Russian President Vladimir Putin, Borrell said that it is a very important and revolutionary event.

Reminding that Russia does not recognize the court, Borrell said: “If Putin travels to one of the more than 130 countries that have signed this international agreement, he must be arrested immediately.” Stating that the ministers will also discuss the situation in Tunisia, Borrell said that political instability in Tunisia is combined with a dire economic situation.

Borrell pointed out that they are closely following the events in Tunisia and that he could visit this country soon. (AA)