Ukraine should increase its own ammunition production. This opinion was expressed by the former commander of US forces in Europe, retired Lieutenant General Ben Hodges in an interview with Voice of America. 

"I know that some companies, such as Rheinmetall, BAE, and a few others, have said they are going to produce certain things in Ukraine. But what we really need to pay attention to is this. Let's be honest - what has Ukraine been doing since 2014? There should have been mountains of artillery ammunition by now. Yes, one can be disappointed that the West is not providing more. But what has Ukraine done since 2014 to increase its own ammunition production? Ukraine was the heart of the Soviet Union's defense industry for decades, so I think Ukraine should do everything possible to increase production," he said.

Hodges noted that production can also be increased during a war. He recalled that German airplane production during World War II peaked in 1944 when Germany was bombed by the British and Americans.

"Production capacity is a reflection of political will. Artillery ammunition is not amachine that a car manufacturer can just make and sell to anyone. You need to invest money in their production, to place an order for a certain number of thousands of missiles, for example. The United States has quadrupled its production, I think, but it's still not enough. And we need political will to increase it," the general said.

He noted that it is important for Ukraine to receive ready-made ammunition, but it can produce it itself. It will only need supplies of gunpowder and some materials.