President Vladimir Putin says Russian weapons manufacturers need to boost production as quickly as possible because Russian forces in Ukraine are being confronted with “effectively the entire NATO arsenal stockpile” there.

During a meeting with industry leaders, Mr Putin said, “the organisations in our defence industry have to prepare the delivery of the needed weapons, technology and armaments in the shortest time possible.”

The president said the production boost must be carried out without imports.

He said Russian weapons were holding their own against those provided by the West, but the kit could be better.

“This means that we must and can study them, these arsenals and everything else that is being used against us.

“We qualitatively need to build up our own capabilities based on the experience gained and improve wherever necessary on our own equipment and weapons.” 

(dpa/NAN)