Russia produces three times more ammunition than allies can send to Ukraine – media

CNN reported the information, citing NATO intelligence.

According to a European intelligence official, together the United States and Europe have the capacity to produce only about 1.2 million rounds of ammunition annually to send to Ukraine.

The US armed forces have set a goal of producing 100,000 artillery shells per month by the end of 2025, which is half the monthly production of Russia. Even this figure is now unattainable, as $60 billion in funding for Ukraine has been suspended in Congress.

"What we are in now is a production war. The outcome in Ukraine depends on how each side is equipped to conduct this war," said an unnamed NATO official.

According to CNN's sources, Russia is currently firing about 10,000 shells a day, compared to only 2,000 a day on the Ukrainian side.

A European intelligence official said that in some places on the front line the situation is even worse.

The text says that the US and its allies have given Ukraine a number of high-tech weapons, but military analysts say the war is likely to be won or lost depending on who fires the most artillery shells.

"The number one issue that we’re watching right now is the munitions. It’s those artillery shells, because that’s where Russia really [is] mounting a significant production advantage and mounting a significant advantage on the battlefield," the NATO official emphasized.

CNN writes that Russia maintains the operation of its shell production plants around the clock. According to their data, the Russian defense sector now employs about 3.5 million people, compared to 2-2.5 million before the war. In addition, Russia i supplied with shells by Iran and North Korea.

According to an intelligence official, Russia has "put everything they have in the game," and the Russian war machine is operating at full capacity. However, Western intelligence does not expect Moscow to achieve any significant goals on the battlefield in the near future.

According to experts, in the long term, the West is still able to catch up with Russia in the production of shells and produce better equipment.

“The West is just starting their ramp-up of building the infrastructure to add in the munitions capability that is needed," said Lieutenant General Steven Basham, deputy commander of the US European Command.

According to other Western intelligence estimates, the overall ratio of resources still provides Moscow with an advantage, especially if the US government fails to unblock the aid package for Ukraine, which is opposed by Republican members of Congress. 

• In late January, FT reported that it would take two years for Western companies to produce enough ammunition for Ukrainian defenders.