EU Fails to Meet Ammo Supply Target for Ukraine, Germany Confirms

The EU is expected to miss its target of supplying Ukraine with 1 million artillery shells and missiles by March 2023, according to the German defense minister. The target was set in response to Ukraine's urgent need for ammunition in its fight against Russia. EU defense ministers acknowledged the need to do more and faster to reach the target, with the EU's chief diplomat highlighting the issue of export commitments by EU defense manufacturers. While the EU has provided over 300,000 artillery shells and missiles, the production capacity exists, but the challenge lies in shifting production to prioritize Ukraine. The EU's industry commissioner expressed confidence in meeting the target, but member states need to place orders. The EU's defense industry will take time to increase supplies, as it is currently geared towards peacetime conditions. The US remains the biggest supporter of Ukraine, followed by Germany, the UK, and Norway.