Ukraine was supposed to increase its ammunition production since 2014

‘Let’s be honest, what has Ukraine done since 2014? There should be mountains of artillery ammunition by now’, stated retired American General Ben Hodges.

One might be disappointed that the West isn’t providing more. But what has Ukraine done after 2014 to boost its own ammunition production? Ukraine was the heart of the Soviet Union’s defense industry for decades. That’s why I believe Ukraine should do everything possible to ramp up production,” Hodges said. He cited Germany as an example, which reached its peak aircraft production in 1944 despite bombings.

Production can be increased during wartime. Production capacity reflects political will. Artillery ammunition isn’t like cars that an automaker can simply manufacture and sell to anyone. Producing them requires investment, placing orders for a specific number, let’s say, thousands of missiles, the general noted. According to reports, Ukraine requested 17 million rounds from the Pentagon.