Michael Roth, a member of Germany’s Bundestag, criticised France, Greece, and Cyprus for vetoing the acquisition of artillery ammunition for Ukraine from sources outside the European Union, calling it a “strategic mistake.”
Speaking on Ukraine’s NV Radio, the Social Democratic Party MP said that the European Union was wrong in its approach, highlighting the urgent need for military support in Ukraine that surpasses the current focus on fostering a European defence industry.
“It represents one of the great strategic mistakes of the European Union,” said Roth.
Greece and Cyprus are concerned that contracts could be signed with Turkish defence companies, while France maintains that EU funds should be used to strengthen the bloc’s defence industrial base.
“The call to ‘Buy European’ sounds fine, and it’s clear. We are obliged to develop a European defense industry. However, our friends here in Ukraine need more military equipment and ammunition right now,” Roth argued.
He suggested purchasing military equipment for Ukraine from the global market.
“It’s the only chance to help right now,” the MP continues.
“And I know it sounds a bit odd, but if the massive aid package for Ukraine does not pass through the U.S. Congress, we will have to buy military equipment from the United States, and we must be ready for that.”
“We are good with words, particularly the president of the European Commission [Ursula von der Leyen],” he concludes.
“But we are not as good as we should be when it comes to action. Therefore, we cannot fulfill our promise to deliver one million artillery shells by the end of March. We will deliver about 500,000.”
The shortfall in ammunition delivery was also highlighted by Czech President Petr Pavel at the Munich Security Conference on February 17, where he disclosed the availability of 500,000 155 mm shells and 300,000 122 mm shells ready for shipment to Ukraine, pending financial support from allies such as the United States, Germany, and Sweden.
Read more:
Cyprus among countries blocking EU funds for buying arms for Ukraine -Politico
