According to a report in the US media, Russia is miles ahead in the production of ammunition. As a result, the Russian Federation receives 250,000 artillery shells per month, or about three million pieces per year. By comparison, Europe and the US only produce just under 1.2 million units per year. Naturally, these figures also play an important role in the war in Ukraine. Because even though the occupied former Soviet republic now has state-of-the-art weapon systems from the West, the lack of ammunition can make the difference between victory and defeat.
The American news channel CNN bases its report on information from NATO intelligence services and insiders from the arms industry. “We are in a production war. The outcome of the war in Ukraine depends on which side is how well equipped. The most important issue now is ammunition. And here Russia has a significant advantage on the battlefield,” the TV station quoted a senior NATO official as saying.
Iranian and North Korean help for Putin
He also knows that Russian arms factories operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The number of employees in the defense industry has increased by approximately one million. American historian Mark Kramer recently said in an interview with krone.at: “I must say that one must recognize Russia’s ability to develop new sources of weapons and military equipment.” Even as Putin needs munitions and drones from Iran and North Korea, the engine of Russian weapons production is humming. Things are now moving a little faster in the EU, after being ‘miserably slow’, says Kramer.
War Economy: Authoritarian Russia has an advantage
In Europe and the US it is also more difficult to get military budgets through parliament, while Putin has no parliament that really monitors him. Moscow’s Duma has approved his budget plans, including huge increases for the military. However, NATO suspects that the war economy capacity limits employed by Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin are likely to be reached this year. But these capabilities are still enough to outproduce Ukraine’s Western allies.
US aid is still blocked
Especially as the future of new financial aid from the US remains unclear. US President Joe Biden months ago asked Congress for a large multi-billion dollar package for Kiev. However, some Republicans are skeptical or dismissive of support for Ukraine under attack by Russia. The domestic political blockade has been preventing the delivery of military goods from the US to Kiev for some time.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
