MOSCOW, February 26. /TASS/. Western countries are looking for ammunition in third countries due to a lack of their own to send to Kiev, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmitry Kuleba said.
"There is a decision where and how to get shells [for Ukraine]. Now - it will not be a secret - in third countries, that is, partners must buy shells in third countries and transfer them to Ukraine. Secondly, partners should stop exporting their shells to third countries and transfer everything [to Ukraine]. Then we will compensate for this shortage [of shells] until the military defense industry [of Western countries] is working at full capacity," he said. According to Kuleba, during his recent meetings with representatives of Spain, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom, the sides discussed ammunition contracts with a number of third countries, which outline specific volumes and terms of their delivery.
He also pointed out that for Kiev, obtaining ammunition for the Ukrainian army remains "issue No. 1" in negotiations with allies. "The second priority in weapons is air defense systems. <...> The third priority is long-range missiles. Everyone understands this: ATACMS and Taurus are key. The fourth priority, a comprehensive one, is to maximize the production of weapons by our partners and together with Ukraine," the minister pointed out.
On February 24, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmitry Kuleba said that the EU planned to deliver 170,000 rounds of ammunition to Kiev by the end of March. He did not specify the type of ammunition.
Kiev has repeatedly complained of a shortage of ammunition, especially for its 152 mm and 122 mm Soviet-made guns and its Stormer, Avenger and Stinger anti-aircraft missile systems. Western partners, who have stepped up arms deliveries to Ukraine several times since Russia launched its special military operation, nevertheless acknowledge that they cannot meet all of Kiev's ammunition needs.