Twelve European Union countries have agreed to send large quantities of artillery ammunition cartridges to Ukraine. That delivery comes in addition to a pledge of another four billion euros for the country at war with Russia. By supplying munitions from its own stocks, which is the plan, Europe makes itself vulnerable, thinks BNR foreign commentator Bernard Hammelburg.
According to Hammelburg, Ukraine has a huge shortage of grenades for tanks. “Everyone sees the need for immediate delivery of ammunition. More of it is being produced in Ukraine than can be produced in the EU and the US.’
Risks
To complement this, Europe will first supply munitions from its own stocks. At the same time, the arms industry will have to expand to replenish those stockpiles, Hammelburg says. Though the Americans have also announced they will produce $350 million worth of additional munitions, Hammelburg thinks Europe is at risk.
“Everyone sees the need for immediate delivery of ammunition”
“The constitution states that the Netherlands must be able to defend itself on the one hand and that it must defend the international legal order on the other. The Netherlands fulfills the second part, but not the first.’ If the Netherlands lends weapon systems such as the Patriot anti-aircraft system to another country, the Netherlands itself cannot claim it. ‘These are big problems.’
According to Europe reporter Geert Jan Hahn, Europe primarily wants to spread grief among member states in a joint approach. On the other hand, referring to the experiences gained during the corona pandemic, such an approach works even better, says Hahn. “And in the end this is also good for the European arms industry.”
Second day for Xi in Moscow
In Moscow, Chinese President Xi and Russian President Putin will continue talks today, among other things, on gas supplies. “A pipeline is already under construction for the rapid delivery of oil and gas to China. Because Asia is rapidly conquering Europe’s position as the most important buyer of Russian oil and gas.’
In addition to trade relations, the Chinese peace plan will also be discussed. A ceasefire is the most important point, according to Hammelburg. Xi may also contact Ukrainian President Zelensky these days. Hahn: “Zelensky has already spoken to so many world leaders, so it’s not a bad idea that he also speaks to Xi.”
This could also include future trade interests between China and Ukraine, he says. “Zelensky has no illusions that China will suddenly end up on Ukraine’s side, but if he can keep China neutral for as long as possible, it will be a victory for him.” Today, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida is also visiting Kiev. That means a “big geopolitical chess game” is playing out in the region, says Hahn.
Russian dependence on China
As Russia and China tighten ties, a scenario looms reminiscent of Germany’s stance on China. “For a long time, Germany was kind of a junior partner of Russia. Now you can see the same in the relationship between China and Russia, Russia has to dance a little bit to China’s tune.’
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Source: BNR
Sharon Rock is an author and journalist who writes for 24 News Globe. She has a passion for learning about different cultures and understanding the complexities of the world. With a talent for explaining complex global issues in an accessible and engaging way, Sharon has become a respected voice in the field of world news journalism.
