European Union officials set up scheme to speed up delivery of howitzer artillery rounds to Ukraine

EU officials are looking for a way to speed up the delivery of howitzer artillery rounds to Ukraine. They are also discussing dedicating an extra billion euros to help the country.

According to an EU official with direct knowledge of the project who briefed reporters Thursday, the priority now is to guarantee the swift delivery to Ukrainian armed forces of 155mm artillery rounds. The official was not authorized to speak publicly because the plan is still being finalized.

The EU has been helping Ukraine through its European Peace Facility — a fund being used to reimburse member countries that provide weapons, ammunition and military support to Ukraine.