EU chief diplomat says they have collected third of 2 million artillery shells promised to Ukraine

The EU member states have already committed to provide Ukraine with two-thirds of the 2 million artillery shells worth €5 billion, which is part of the initiative of Kaja Kallas, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, to increase military support for Ukraine.

Kallas said before the EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting in Luxembourg that she already had two-thirds of her initiative to provide 2 million artillery shells for Ukraine.

"We see the deadliest attacks in this war. Civilians are being killed. And, of course, it is already one month into this period where Ukraine agreed to an unconditional ceasefire. We haven’t seen that from the Russian side. What is clear is that we need to support Ukraine more, and I’m happy to see that we already have two-thirds of my ammunition initiative together," Kallas said. 

"But of course, we need to do more," she added.

Asked what consequences Russia would have for its attack on Ukrainian civilians over the weekend, Kallas said that the issue would be addressed by EU foreign ministers today.

"Right now, I think, we have to put the maximum pressure on Russia to really end this war. Because it takes two to want peace, and it only takes one to want war. And we see that Russia really wants war. And all those who want the killing to stop should put the maximum pressure on Russia," she stressed.

Recently, the media reported that the European Commission hoped that by the end of 2025, the number of artillery shells supplied to Ukraine by European countries would reach 2 million.

Czechia announced that it would provide monthly supplies to Ukraine until September as part of the Czech initiative to purchase shells around the world.

Norway announced an additional €415 million for artillery shells for Ukraine, which would be used through the Czech Initiative and the European Peace Fund.