The EU program to provide Ukraine with artillery shells seems to be moving slowly, tagesschau reports.
During a meeting of EU defense ministers in Spain, Estonian Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur said that only 226,000 shells have been accepted under the program so far. Much work remains to be done to increase production capacity, recycle old ammunition, and purchase ammunition from third countries.
Pevkur noted that Ukraine currently produces about 6,000 rounds per day, compared to Russia, which produces 60,000 to 70,000 shells on peak days. He noted the advantage of Western ammunition, which is more accurate and useful.
The defense minister also spoke about the progress of Ukrainian forces in the still-occupied city of Tokmak, which has become a "hot spot." He noted that the capture of Tokmak could lead to the cutting off of supply lines for Russian troops, which is of great importance. However, he noted that even if this succeeds, it will be difficult for Ukrainians to move through the minefields, as they will be practically "inch by inch" advancing under the threat of Russian forces.
