Estonian defense minister urges to buy shells for Ukraine beyond EU

EU countries should consider purchasing ammunition for Ukraine beyond Europe, Estonian Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur said in an interview with Postimees newspaper, Report informs.

He noted that this will provide Kyiv with the necessary number of shells in a short time.

“Initially, the goal was to support and strengthen the capabilities of European manufacturers. But, in principle, if European manufacturers say that they will not be able to produce shells in a year, and Ukraine needs a million shells, then we should not rule out the possibility of purchasing them outside of Europe. Speed is what matters. In any case, part of the shells will come from Europe, from European manufacturers,” he added.

Pevkur specified that in order to compensate for the supply of non-European ammunition from the EU Peace Facility, the states of the association will have to organize a separate tender.