• German Defense Minister warns EU may miss target of one million shells for Ukraine by March 2024.
• Concerns raised ahead of Brussels meeting; Pistorius says feasibility is in doubt.
• EU pledged one million 155-mm shells to Kyiv in March.

German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius has cautioned that the European Union (EU) is unlikely to fulfill its commitment to provide Ukraine with one million artillery shells by March 2024.

Pistorius expressed this concern ahead of an EU defense ministers’ meeting in Brussels, stating that reaching the one million rounds target is not feasible.

In March, the EU had made a significant decision to supply Kyiv with a million 155-mm shells within a year.

Ukrainian forces have faced shortages in their conflict with Russia, impacting strategic decisions such as the anticipated summer counter-offensive.

While 25 of the EU’s 27 members, along with Norway, pledged support through a fast-track deal, logistical challenges and bureaucracy have hindered the delivery.

Pistorius clarified that he never personally promised a million shells, acknowledging the skepticism surrounding the ambitious goal.

Ukraine’s foreign minister, Dmytro Kuleba, attributed obstacles to bureaucracy and the insufficient capacity of the defense industry.

Despite acknowledging a lack of production capacity, the EU’s foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, highlighted the need for Europe’s defense industry to reprioritize.

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg noted efforts by Western allies like the UK and US to boost production.

However, President Zelenskyy cautioned that Russia is escalating attacks on the front line, emphasizing the urgency of adequate support.

The situation remains dire, with strategic towns like Avdiivka facing intense shelling, and the EU’s ability to meet its commitment to Ukraine under scrutiny.

“Ukraine is Europe’s frontline today – we need absolute quality in EU member states’ and candidates’ defense industries,” Ukraine’s foreign minister was quoted as saying by Interfax-Ukraine news agency.

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