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European Union leaders today approved a plan to send 1 million units of artillery ammunition to Ukraine over the next 12 months to help it fight the Russian invasion, the Associated Press reported, cited by BTA.

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Earlier this week, EU foreign and defense ministers approved the fast-track ammunition purchase plan.

The leaders of the 27 member states have now given their political approval at a summit in Brussels.

"Taking into account the security and defense interests of all member states, the European Council welcomes the agreement to supply surface-to-surface munitions and artillery ammunition to Ukraine and - if requested - missiles," the meeting concluded.

According to various estimates, Ukraine fires between 6,000 and 7,000 artillery shells per day, about a third of what Russia fires.

The EU's foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, said this week that he had secured approval for 1 billion euros to encourage member states to provide artillery shells from their existing stockpiles and possible future orders.

A further €1 billion is set to go towards speeding up new procurement and encouraging countries to work together on purchases through the European Defense Agency or in groups of at least three countries.

European leaders discuss military aid to Ukraine at a summit in Brussels

Germany has previously called on countries to join its procurement efforts, which it says will happen more quickly.

Hungary says it will not participate in supplying ammunition to Ukraine, insisting it is committed to peace, but says it will not prevent other countries from doing so by blocking the deal.

Bulgarian President Rumen Radev also ruled out the possibility of supplying shells while the caretaker government is in power in Bulgaria.

"This is our sovereign decision," he said.

"Bulgaria will support European diplomatic efforts to restore peace," Radev said.

EU leaders will also discuss the possibility of adding €3.5 billion to the European Peace Support Mechanism, which is used to reimburse member states that supply arms, ammunition and military support to Ukraine.

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