Germany admits that the European Union (EU) will not meet its goal of supplying Ukraine with 1 million artillery shells by March 2024, raising concerns about Western efforts to back Ukraine in its fight against Russia's invading forces. The EU had pledged to provide the much-needed ammunition to Ukraine, but so far, only 300,000 rounds have been delivered. EU countries have placed joint orders for 180,000 more shells, but they will not be delivered until the end of next year. The delay in meeting the target is attributed to the export commitments of European defense firms to other countries.

German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius suggests that shifting production to prioritize Ukrainian needs could be a potential solution. However, the EU's struggles to deliver on its promises come at a time when the US Congress is also casting doubt on Washington's ability to sustain supplies. Despite these challenges, the EU has poured military support worth 27 billion euros into Ukraine since Russia's invasion in February 2022, but a long-term plan for guaranteed support has faced obstacles.

Germany, which has committed to doubling its funding for Ukraine next year, is reluctant to contribute more to the EU's defense fund, while Hungary, Russia's closest ally in the EU, has expressed skepticism over the plan. The EU aims to present a revised plan to Ukraine by the end of the month for approval by EU leaders in December.