Kaja Kallas: The EU has delivered 1 million shells to Ukraine, albeit later than expected.

The European Union has delivered 1 million artillery shells to Ukraine, as previously promised, although their delivery was initially scheduled for spring 2024, stated the new EU chief diplomat, Kaja Kallas, during her visit to Kyiv.

"This 1 million shells have been delivered (to Ukraine), but, as we know here, this is not enough; more needs to be done," Kallas said in an interview with the Kyiv Independent on December 1.

"I also believe that investments in the Ukrainian defense industry are very, very necessary because these shells are produced here and are immediately put to use. Therefore, we are considering various initiatives on how we can support and assist Ukraine more," Kallas remarked.

Kaja Kallas, the former Prime Minister of Estonia, made these comments during an unexpected visit to Kyiv on the first day of her mandate as EU chief diplomat.

Kallas visited the Ukrainian capital alongside the new President of the European Council, Antonio Costa.

When asked about the volume of military assistance Ukraine can expect in 2025, Kallas did not provide a specific estimate.

"At this point, there is no actual number, but I think it is important to know your needs, and, of course, what we are producing is not enough. Therefore, we really need to accelerate the production process," Kallas stated.

"We have a new commissioner for defense, and we intend to work very closely with him. We can also find new funding to speed up the process. So, there is political will for this," she emphasized.

The full supply of shells, which was initially expected to be completed by spring, was postponed to November due to unexpected production capacity constraints, former EU chief diplomat Josep Borrell announced on November 11.

During a press conference with President Volodymyr Zelensky after their meeting in Kyiv, Costa stated that the EU will continue to provide Ukraine with economic, humanitarian, and military assistance, including €4.2 billion to support the Ukrainian budget until the end of 2018. In 2025, the EU will also transfer €1.5 billion to Ukraine monthly.