Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu emphasized the importance of weapon production and front line arms supply in determining the outcome of Moscow's "special military operation" in Ukraine. Shoigu urged for an urgent doubling of missile output, stating that success relies heavily on "the timely replenishment of stocks of weapons, military equipment and means of destruction." His remarks were published by his ministry and broadcast on state television.
Defense enterprises have been instructed to rapidly increase production volume and pace. Shoigu specifically highlighted the need for a swift doubling of high-precision missile output. The Tactical Missile Corp, a sanctioned guided missile systems producer by the U.S. and European Union, will report on meeting this target.
Yevgeny Prigozhin, head of Russia's private Wagner militia, claimed on Monday that his troops received only a third of the required artillery shells for their assault on the eastern Ukrainian city of Bakhmut. Prigozhin has repeatedly criticized the insufficient ammunition supply from Moscow, arguing that it hampers Russia's offensive efforts.
Western officials also noted Russia's shortage of missiles and artillery shells, as the conflict, initially expected to last only a few weeks, shows no signs of resolution. In December, British military intelligence reported that Russia was limiting long-range missile strikes against Ukraine due to cruise missile shortages. In March, London suggested that Russia was likely rationing artillery shells or resorting to outdated ones.
Despite these limitations, Russia has recently carried out its first large-scale missile strikes on Ukraine in weeks, resulting in dozens of casualties. Ukraine reports that its air defense systems intercepted the majority of incoming missiles.
