Jens Asbjørn Bøgen
The explosives are essential in the production of artillery shells.
A new report by the Palestinian Youth Movement warns that explosive materials initially slated for Ukraine have been redirected as conflicts intensify elsewhere.
According to the Nov. 18 report, TNT shipments from NATO partners were disrupted after supplies were diverted to Israel’s campaign in Gaza.
The group cites early assessments signaling that the material had been intended for Ukraine before U.S. authorities approved a related sale in late 2023.
$147M worth of explosives
The report states that “this ammunition was supposed to be destined for Ukraine, but in December 2023, the U.S. government announced that shells worth $147 million would also be sold to Israel.”
The explosives are used in larger munitions such as 155mm shells, now urgently needed at the front.
According to Kyiv Independent, Europe’s production capacity remains tight, with only one major TNT plant operating in Poland.
U.S. dependence on Poland
The report also references comments by Polish Deputy Defense Minister Cezary Tomczyk, who said Washington has relied on Poland for about 90% of its TNT imports following shutdowns of factories in the U.S. and Europe.
Uncertainty over U.S. aid early in President Donald Trump’s term left Ukraine increasingly reliant on European stocks during a critical ammunition shortfall.
Competing conflicts
The report adds that “these bombs and artillery shells have been exported in their tens of thousands by the U.S. to Israel, where they have been widely deployed in Gaza.”
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said on Aug. 27 that Europe can now produce six times more artillery rounds than two years ago, though industrial bottlenecks still slow deliveries.
Sources: Palestinian Youth Movement report, Kyiv Independent
This article is made and published by Jens Asbjørn Bogen, who may have used AI in the preparation
