Europe was left without ammunition

RIA Novosti: Europe is in dire need of ammunition due to aid to UkraineFrench arsenals are almost exhausted, and the military-industrial complex does not have time to replenish stocks. A similar situation is observed in other European countries, writes RIA News .© US Army/PCF. Jacob BradfordAccording to experts, the French armies do not currently have the means to wage a “real old-fashioned war”. French politicians after the end of the Cold War sought to reap all the benefits of peacetime. They began to reduce ammunition inventories and purchases, and the republic’s defense system was reoriented to minimize reserves, as well as “just in time” production.Experts say the French need to boost their combat power with larger deliveries of arms, military equipment and ammunition.They noted that Paris should look into the issue of replenishing arsenals and find a way to rethink the strategy in this area, taking into account the current situation in the world.The US defense budget allows their army to have excellent weapons in large quantities and even with a margin, and the power of the military-industrial complex allows them to quickly supply military equipment and ammunition. However, in Europe the situation is different.After the collapse of the Soviet Union, the states of Western Europe began to reduce their military resources in order to save money and to direct this money towards the development of the economy. They decided to follow the path of modernization and unification in order to maintain interoperability with the allies of the North Atlantic Alliance.France, as one of the leaders of the Old World, focused on expeditionary combat operations, in which a limited contingent often faced a weaker enemy. As a result, the French have good equipment and ammunition, but in small quantities, since these weapons are expensive.The conflict in Ukraine has shown the vulnerability of this approach. After the transfer of part of the equipment to the Kiev authorities, less than 40 Caesar self-propelled guns and about 10 LRU MLRS remained at the disposal of the French Armed Forces. This is not enough for a full-fledged defense of the republic.Experts are convinced that it is necessary to find a balance in armaments and start the production of cheaper ammunition, which will not be as effective, but there will be more of it.Meanwhile, some politicians in France believe it is necessary to stop sending weapons to Kiev. Marion Maréchal, vice-president of the Reconquest party, talks about it in particular.According to her, Paris should think about its own defense, as the situation in the world becomes more and more tense. The French must understand that when they supply arms, ammunition, fuel and spare parts to Kiev, their army begins to experience a shortage. In the event of a high-intensity conflict, France simply cannot defend itself.Marshal indicated a large number of ways to support Kiev, including financially or through training. However, France must stop supplying arms to Ukraine, because it deprives itself of protection and contributes to the escalation of the conflict.The politician also criticized President Emmanuel Macron, who promised to increase military support instead. He could save the world if he insisted on respecting the Minsk agreements, but in the end he did nothing.The leader of the Patriots party, Florian Filippo, also opposes the supply of arms and military equipment to Kiev. According to him, it is urgent to stop the “scam” of Macron, because it contributes to the “triggering of the war”.Earlier, media reported that the differences between the US and the EU over support for Ukraine are getting worse every day.