Over 20 countries establish artillery coalition to help Ukraine in Paris

The Voice of Ukraine reported the information.

The 23-nation initiative, led by the US and France, is part of the efforts of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group (Ramstein), which unites over 50 of Kyiv's allies.

The French Ministry of Defense said that the "artillery coalition" seeks to join forces to help Ukraine have artillery forces that meet the needs of its counteroffensive and its army of the future, in the short and long term.

The initiative is also seen as another crucial step in Ukraine's transition from Soviet to Western artillery.

"There is no alternative to modern artillery, we must continue to make efforts to increase the production of ammunition," said Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, who joined the conference in the French capital via video link.

• On January 18, the French Defense Minister said that France would supply Ukraine with six Caesar self-propelled howitzers in the coming weeks, followed by 72 more in about a year. France will also supply Ukraine with up to 50 bombs per month until the end of 2024. Kyiv will also receive the promised amount of artillery ammunition.
• On January 16, French President Emmanuel Macron said he would visit Ukraine in February and announced the supply of 40 SCALP missiles and the signing of a security guarantee agreement.