France to provide Ukraine with 50 aerial bombs monthly, says Defense Minister Lecornu

French Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu stated this, as reported by Le Figaro.

He disclosed an increase in artillery ammunition supply to 3,000 shells per month. 

Lecornu stated, "From February 2022 to the end of 2023, France supplied Ukraine with 2,000 shells per month; from January onwards, it will be 3,000 shells per month."

Lecornu expressed confidence that Russia hasn't gained the upper hand on the frontlines. He believes Russia won't emerge victorious in the war against Ukraine, asserting that the Russian army's achievements are confined to a limited area of "two kilometers, gained and reclaimed." 

Lecornu concluded, "The counteroffensive didn't unfold as planned, but it doesn't grant Putin an advantage."

Ammunition for Ukraine

On April 13, the EU Council approved €1 billion in ammunition for Ukraine. On May 2 the EU prepared a plan to produce 1 million shells for Ukraine and its own stockpiles.

On May 23, EU Chief Diplomat Josep Borrell announced that since the beginning of the year, EU states have already provided over one-fifth of the one million artillery rounds and missiles to Ukraine as part of an initiative to provide Ukraine with one million rounds.

On June 1, the European Parliament supported a bill to increase European production of ammunition and missiles to support Ukraine's army. July 7 The Council of the European Union and the Parliament agree on a draft regulation on The Act in Support of Ammunition Production (ASAP), which will increase the production of missiles and ammunition.

On July 13, the European Parliament approved plans to increase the production of ammunition and missiles in the EU to overcome the current shortage due to supplies to Ukraine.

On September 5, it was reported that the European Defense Agency had signed 8 framework contracts with industry for the joint purchase of 155-mm ammunition for Ukraine.

In early November, media reported that the EU fears that the bloc may not be able to provide Ukraine with one million rounds of ammunition by the promised deadline of March 2024.

On November 14, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius confirmed that the EU will be unable to fulfill its promise to supply one million artillery shells to Ukraine by March 2024.

However, on January 11, the European Commission reassured that Ukraine will indeed receive the promised 1 million shells by spring.