France can donate 3,000 artillery rounds each month - MoD Ukraine

France will be able to provide the Ukrainian Army with 3,000 155-mm rounds on a monthly basis.

That’s according to Ukraine’s Deputy Defense Minister Lieutenant General Ivan Havryliuk, chief of the Ukrainian delegation at the first meeting of the Artillery Coalition in Paris, who spoke in an interview with NV, Ukrinform reports.

The Ukrainian delegation conveyed to coalition members the current needs of the Ukrainian Army based on the objective situation observed on the front and possible developments. In view of future threats, the parties discussed long-term military-technical cooperation to support the Armed Forces.

"It was important to develop a consolidated position among partners regarding ways to address many of our issues. We discussed the provision of artillery systems and rounds, supply of spare parts for artillery systems or their production on Ukraine’s territory, the issue of improving the reconnaissance system and artillery fire control, and we also the organization of maintenance of artillery systems. During the inaugural meeting of the Artillery Coalition, our partners made some important statements regarding further defense support for Ukraine," the official noted.

Meanwhile, Ukraine works to analyze and predict the aggressor's moves, he added.

"The fact that Russia is ramping up its defense production capacity and purchasing ammunition and missiles from some other countries shows that the Kremlin is not going to abandon its aggressive plans. Our response must be powerful. Despite the existing problems around the world regarding the production of ammunition and weaponry, we must explore opportunities together with our partners to deliver to our Defense Forces everything they require," General Havryliuk emphasized.

He noted that Paris had once again demonstrated stability in supporting Ukraine.

"France intends to produce 78 Caesar howitzers for Ukraine, six of which will be delivered in the near future. As for 155mm projectiles for French artillery systems, the Minister of the French Armed Forces, Sebastien Lecornu, said France would be able to provide the Ukrainian Army with 3,000 rounds each month," the official stressed.

As Ukrinform reported earlier, on January 19, representatives from 22 countries took part in the inaugural meeting of the international Artillery Coalition, held in Paris. The Coalition will strengthen the capabilities of Ukraine’s Defense Forces, as well as provide Ukraine with new models of artillery systems.