How can Ukraine continue to fight when Russia is producing weapons and ammunition at a much faster rate than the West? Isn’t it inevitable that Ukraine will eventually run out of supplies?

 This is indeed a big problem for Ukraine.

Even after almost two years of heavy fighting, many politicians in the West still do not seem to grasp how many resources are needed to conduct this war.

Ten million rounds of machine gun ammunition and hundred thousand artillery shells sound like a lot but this is what the Armed Forces of Ukraine consume in just a couple of days.

Unfortunately, Ukraine already had to alter the way it fights the war due to a lack of artillery ammunition.

A German "Panzerhaubitze 2000" in action in Ukraine. (Photo: Marko Djurica)

The only solution is for the West to significantly increase its ammunition production. If this doesn’t happen, Ukraine’s ability to launch a successful offensive next year will be in serious doubt.

Ukraine is already working to produce as much of its own military equipment, including artillery shells, as possible. However, its industrial capacity is much smaller compared to Russia’s production.

Without more ammunition, especially 155mm artillery shells from the West, Ukraine will have to reduce its military operations. This would prolong the conflict, making a positive outcome for Ukraine more uncertain.