Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is seeking Europe’s support to buy artillery shells, but funding has not been immediately endorsed by European leaders. The request comes as the war between Ukraine and Russia continues, with both sides suffering heavy losses.
Zelenskyy called on EU leaders during a video link meeting in Brussels to provide financial assistance for the purchase of at least 5 billion euros ($7.8 billion) worth of artillery shells. However, European leaders did not offer concrete support, instead pledging to continue providing Ukraine with regular and predictable financial aid.
The EU’s foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, stated that member states should “urgently step up efforts” to address Ukraine’s pressing military needs. While the bloc’s leaders expressed continued support for Ukraine, they did not match the words of support with concrete action on Zelenskyy’s request.
In other news, Ukrainian soldiers have lost ground in recent days but are not encircled by Russian forces in the Kursk region, contrary to reports made by US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Trump claimed that thousands of Ukrainians were “completely surrounded” and vulnerable, while Putin said he would spare their lives if they surrendered.
In a surprise attack, Ukraine struck a major Russian airfield with drones on Thursday, causing significant damage and casualties. The Engels base, which hosts Russia’s Tupolev Tu-160 nuclear-capable bombers, was targeted by Ukrainian forces.
Source: https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/ukraine-war-russia-artillery-europe-1.5595470