.@FT: Ukraine's allies 'need a more systematic approach to the supply of arms—rather than simply donating stocks of surplus & outdated weapons. EU capitals should mobilise investment & cajole arms makers into expanding capacity, by pooling orders & signing over a longer term.' https://t.co/9l2SiFMvRe
— Christopher Miller (@ChristopherJM) November 22, 2023
France backtracks on EU-only ammo for Ukraine. But before Paris throws in the towel, it first wants proof that the EU will actually miss its target of sending 1 million rounds by March.
"As long as we haven't come to that conclusion, we won't do it [buy abroad], but if we have to adjust, we'll adjust," they said.
That's a significant shift from France's traditional position of encouraging national governments to buy European arms and ammunition.
France Backtracks On EU-Only Ammo for Ukraine – POLITICO
The agreement provides for Bulgaria to supply the armoured personnel carriers and available armament, as well as spare parts, all surplus to the requirements of the Interior Ministry. The vehicles were acquired decades ago by the communist regime of the time.
Vuzrazhdane claimed that by providing the armoured personnel carriers to Ukraine, Bulgaria was giving Ukraine “a billion leva” and the party said that the vehicles should be used for protecting Bulgaria’s border.
Bulgaria’s Parliament Ratifies Deal On APCs For Ukraine – The Sofia Globe
Ukraine's strongest supporters in Washington are looking at the three-week sprint after Thanksgiving as their best remaining hope of getting aid to the country.
The dynamics of the GOP House have alarmed the West Wing. Speaker Mike Johnson has indicated that he'll at some point bring a vote on Ukraine, but those in the White House do not yet have a clear read on the new Republican leader or his negotiating style, according to two senior aides not authorized to speak publicly about private deliberations.
On two occasions already, Democrats tried but failed to get aid to Ukraine in a must-pass funding bill. With another deadline to spark action not coming until the latest stopgap funding bills expire in late January and early February, many of Congress' strongest Ukraine backers fear the country can't wait that long.
"I don't know that Ukraine can survive until February of 2024," Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) said. "My sense is they start to run short on ammunition in the next several weeks."
Democrats Remain Vexed By The House As Ukraine Funding Hits Crisis Point - POLITICO
