UK commits $311 million to bolster Ukraine’s artillery ammunition reserves

The UK has announced a £245 million ($311 million) commitment over the next year to bolster Ukraine's artillery ammunition reserves, on the day of the two-year anniversary of Russia's invasion, Reuters reports. Ukraine, facing acute ammunition shortages, is actively seeking increased military assistance from Western allies. British Defence Minister Grant Shapps emphasized the significance of international support, stating, "They cannot win this fight without the support of the international community." "That’s why we continue to do what it takes to ensure Ukraine can continue to fight towards victory," Shapps added in a statement. According to the Ukrainian General Staff, last year Russia was firing 40,000 ammunition rounds per day. Meanwhile, Ukraine was only firing 4,000 rounds. Now experts assert that Ukraine fires 2,000 rounds per day. The price for one artillery shell is between 3,000 and 8,000 euro. Therefore, this ammunition will last for approximately one month of current intensity of combat operations. Britain has pledged over $8.8 billion (£7 billion) in military assistance to Ukraine since February 2022. The Biden administration has provided $44 billion to Ukraine and awaits congressional approval for an additional $60 billion. Germany, the second-largest contributor, has committed 28 billion euros ($30.2 billion), and the European Union pledged around 6 billion euros. Various Western countries, including Canada, have collectively committed $2.4 billion in military aid since February 2022. Related: