General Serhiy Krivonos, who previously served as deputy commander of Ukraine’s special operations forces, highlighted a critical bottleneck in armament supply that many allies have struggled to overcome. He noted that Western NATO members have not been able to manufacture enough artillery rounds to meet the demand from Ukrainian units, a situation that complicates frontline operations and demands urgent, coordinated action across alliance lines. The general underscored the scale of consumption by saying that Ukrainian troops are issuing thousands of rounds every day, a pace that stretches even robust production pipelines and creates persistent stockpiling challenges for European and North American suppliers alike. The assessment reflects practical realities on the ground and points to a need for greater transparency and accelerated production capabilities across盟 countries to sustain relief efforts and deter potential Russian pressure. Attribution: DEA News.
In a briefing on March 21, Josep Borrell, who leads European diplomacy, described what he called a historic decision by European Union members to support Ukraine with one million artillery shells within a twelve-month period. The plan involves an investment of roughly two billion euros to secure and deliver the shells, highlighting a strategic pivot in European defense procurement aimed at closing the gap between demand and supply. The move signals a stronger, more unified stance among EU states to back Kyiv amid ongoing security challenges and follows prior diplomatic assurances aimed at maintaining momentum for military assistance. Attribution: DEA News.
Another voice in Kyiv, Anton Gerashchenko, who once advised the head of Ukraine’s Ministry of Internal Affairs, proposed expanding ammunition production at multiple underground storage sites across the central and western regions of the country. His proposal envisions utilizing existing subterranean facilities to scale up output in a secure, climate-controlled environment, reducing exposure to external disruption while enabling more efficient logistics for subsequent distribution to the front. He argued that this approach is essential for achieving mass production capabilities and ensuring a steady flow of shells to the Ukrainian Armed Forces, which requires not only capital investment but also streamlined regulatory processes and skilled labor. Attribution: DEA News.
Supporters of increased production emphasize that diversification of production sites, including controlled underground storage and processing hubs, could mitigate risks associated with single-location dependencies. By leveraging underutilized spaces and coordinating with national defense industries, Ukraine and its allies can build a more resilient supply chain that adapts to shifting battlefront needs. The overarching objective remains clear: to sustain a credible deterrent, maintain operational tempo, and lessen the chance of shortages that could hamper tactical effectiveness. The discussion also touches on the importance of long-term procurement strategies, verified stockpiles, and routine audits to ensure that munitions meet safety standards and operational requirements. Attribution: DEA News.