Warsaw (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said European nations are already providing more than half of Ukraine’s ammunition needs, recently put at two million rounds by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy.
Ahead of the EU defence ministers’ summit in Warsaw, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy / Vice-President of the European Commission expressed,
“These things are moving very well (…) we need to get the help to Ukraine as fast as possible. President Zelenskiy has said that they need five billion to have at least two million rounds.”
“I’m glad to see that we already have different proposals or different countries coming with their input to this, so we have already over 50% of what is needed,” she added.
In Poland today, with European defence ministers.
— Kaja Kallas (@kajakallas) April 3, 2025
I expect thorough discussions on our support for Ukraine and ways to strengthen our defence, including funding, common procurement, and flagship projects.
My doorstep ahead of the Informal meeting of defence ministers ↓ pic.twitter.com/3NRTx9y2k6
The European Union defence ministers’ summit in Warsaw, held on April 2-3, 2025, is an informal gathering concentrated on several critical topics. The summit includes talks on enhancing EU military support for Ukraine, particularly addressing Ukraine’s need for large-calibre ammunition.
What is the goal of the Kallas initiative?
An initiative by EU High Representative Kaja Kallas aims to provide two million rounds of ammunition worth €5 billion by the end of 2025. The summit is hosted by Poland, which holds the Presidency of the Council of the European Union for the first half of 2025. The meeting takes place at the Warsaw Citadel, Polish Army Museum.
High Representative Kaja Kallas has proposed an ambitious initiative to raise up to €40 billion in new military aid for Ukraine. If successful, this would double the defence support that the European Union offered last year.
Dubbed the “Kallas initiative” in Brussels, this plan aims to address Ukraine’s urgent requirements in its struggle against Russia’s aggression, particularly focusing on artillery ammunition, air defence systems, missiles, drones, and fighter jets.
Consideration will also be given to non-lethal measures, including training and equipment for Ukrainian brigades, to encourage involvement from neutral member states. Donations can be provided through direct hardware deliveries or financial contributions, ideally structured to promote purchases from Ukraine’s rapidly growing defence industry over the past three years.
Kallas claims that the initiative may be valued at “at least €20 billion” and could potentially rise to €40 billion, as stated in the most recent document dated March 13. The earlier draft lacked a definitive economic estimate.
