Ukraine cites delayed Western weapon supplies as a factor in the loss of lives and territories

"Given the current dynamic and constantly evolving situation, the promised aid does not always translate into actual transfer. If what is pledged to us does not arrive, we lose both people and territories," said Umierow during the "Ukraine—2024" forum in Kyiv.

The Minister stressed that there's no historical precedent of successfully conducting a war without air superiority. He noted that Ukraine is making every possible effort to secure victory, but without prompt weapon deliveries, front-line operations are in jeopardy.

Olexandr Kamyszin, Minister for Strategic Industries of Ukraine, revealed that in 2023, the country's defense industry tripled its weapon production. "There are nearly 500 firms manufacturing weapons in Ukraine," said the government's representative.

"We refer to nearly 100 state-owned corporations and about 400 private firms. We plan to ramp up ammunition production in 2024 substantially," Kamyszin announced. The minister's address was reported by the Reuters agency and the RBK-Ukraine website.

Over recent months, numerous reports have surfaced in both Ukrainian and Western media expressing concern for the significant needs of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, especially concerning artillery ammunition.

The commander of the Estonian Army's artillery troops, Major Tanel Tatsi, emphasized that it is specifically the shortages of artillery and anti-aircraft shells that compelled the Ukrainian army to pull back from Avdiivka in the Donetsk region in mid-February.