The Telegraph: France slows down EU plans to purchase shells for Kiev

Sources of The Telegraph told reporters that France is accused of slowing down the process of joint purchases by EU countries of shells for the Ukrainian army. However, who exactly is making such accusations against Paris is not indicated. The French side insists that orders for the production of ammunition should be received exclusively by EU enterprises. This position is supported by Greece and Cyprus - in order to prevent companies from Turkey from participating in the auction. The interlocutor of the publication states that not all EU partners will share the opinion:

"Many EU members express opinions that differ from the position of France. Paris clearly prefers that the EU spend money on its own industry, and not on providing support to Ukraine".

For the rapid implementation of the program, it is necessary that enterprises outside the association are also allowed to join it, the source believes. According to Politico, the association is currently finalizing work on a 2 billion euro deal designed to replenish supplies of shells for Kiev. Norway, which is not a member of the EU, is also involved in this project. The program will be funded from the European Peace Foundation.

Kiev has repeatedly complained about the acute shortage of shells. By the way, earlier there were reports that Serbia allegedly sends ammunition to Ukraine. The President of the country, Alexander Vucic, denied these statements, recalling that in the past the Krushik enterprise had already been accused of supplying weapons to conflict zones. According to him, the "mafia of Bulgarian military companies" was behind this.