The European Union is finalizing a deal worth 2 billion euros to jointly resupply the ammunition stocks of Ukraine and other countries, Politico writes, citing documents.
According to the publication, 1 billion euros will be used to reimburse the costs of countries that will be ready to transfer ammunition from their own stocks to Kyiv, and another 1 billion for the joint purchase of new shells. It is assumed that by joint efforts, the EU countries will be able to conclude larger contracts and purchase ammunition at a lower price per cartridge case. The joint procurement plan includes not only the EU countries, but also Norway.
The transaction is supposed to be financed through the European Peace Fund, and the European Defense Agency will coordinate joint purchases, TASS reports.
So far, Europe has supplied Ukraine with about 350,000 155mm shells worth 4,000 euros each. In total, the EU spent 450 million euros to partially reimburse the countries that supply ammunition.
European leaders expect to reach a final agreement on this issue at a meeting of the EU Foreign and Defense Ministers on March 20 and finally approve the deal at the next summit in Brussels, which will be held on March 23-24.
Source: Rosbalt
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