The European Union has approved its first ever joint purchase of ammunition as part of its military support for Ukraine.

At a European Council meeting in Brussels, the bloc's 27 heads of state signed off on a two billion euro ($2.17 bln) plan to provide one million rounds of ammunition to Ukraine in the next 12 months.

The first billion euros will be used to support member states going through their own stockpiles, and diverting current orders, to send ammunition to Ukraine in the short term, with a particular focus on 155mm artillery shells used in battles like Ukraine's defense of the town of Bakhmut.

EU plan for Europe's green revolution

COP27 impact: Achievements and setbacks

Bridge Builders bringing the UK and China together

The second half of the package will be used for the purchase of new ammunition, both to be sent to Ukraine and to replenish European stocks. This tranche also gives the bloc the option to purchase missiles for Ukraine, should battlefield conditions require it.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed the European leaders remotely from a train traveling back from Bakhmut. He urged allies to speed up their delivery of ammunition and tanks, while reiterating his request for the West to send modern fighter jets to Ukraine.

European Council President Charles Michel tweeted that "to win its freedom, Ukraine needs ammunition. The EU is delivering 1 million rounds of ammunition urgently. The EU supports Ukraine in its relentless quest for freedom. We stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes."

The plan is a historic first for the European Union and a clear marker of how Russia's attack on Ukraine has changed the way the EU perceives its role.

Despite this, views differ among member states on the question of fighter jets deliveries to Kyiv. 

While Poland and Slovakia have recently delivered Soviet-Era MiG-29 fighter jets to Ukraine, Kyiv's request for modern NATO-standard jets remains broadly unanswered in Europe.

Ukraine's European allies are trying to strike the balance between supporting Ukraine wherever possible while minimizing any risk of further escalation with Russia. So while the ammunition plan will be welcomed by Kyiv, conversations with its allies around fighter jets will likely continue for weeks to come.

Subscribe to Storyboard: A weekly newsletter bringing you the best of CGTN every Friday