RT by @StevensHelga: Few days ago, I wrote about the need to protect certain critical production lines so that they are unaffected by strikes and other actions. Some took this as an attack against the unions and the right to strike, which it wasn't. People should always be able to call for decent wages and working conditions, that's one of the cornerstones of democracy.

But let's take a look at the hard facts and numbers: in 2022, Russia QUADRUPLED their 152mm production to 1 million. In 2024 they are expected to reach 2-3 million rounds of ammunition. In addition, they produce 200 missiles per month and 300-500 Geran-2 drones per month.

Russian factories work triple shifts, 6 days per week, and they've set laws that enable the defence industry to appropriate manpower and materials as needed to meet the demands of the war.

In short, the Russians have prepared their whole industry and economy for long-term war. And Russia is not alone; its partners in North Korea and Iran are producing them munitions, too. And all these will be sent to destroy Ukraine.

Meanwhile, Europe produced approximately something between 480 000 and 700 000 rounds in 2023. Meeting Ukraine's MINIMUM demand rate together with the US (whose deliveries can no longer even be trusted), would require a European effort of 140% increase during 2024.

Even two day delay in these times can be critical, and we shouldn't lull ourselves into thinking that Russia will slow down in the upcoming years - one third of their total budget is going to feeding their war machine.

And this is why Europe needs to both 1) ramp up the military production (and pay the workers enough as well as provide them good working conditions), and 2) protect it from any potential stoppages.

🐦🔗: https://nitter.cz/P_Kallioniemi/status/1750475460163612941#m

[2024-01-25 11:07 UTC]