ROME, March 10. /TASS/. The West’s defense industry capacities are inferior to Russia’s, which complicates supplies of munitions to Kiev, Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto said.

"The topic of the imbalance of forces on the battlefield [between Ukraine and Russia] is a very important issue, which continues to be the focus of discussion. <…> The West has understood that its defense industry capacity is inferior to Russia’s and it will take time to change the trend," he said in an interview with the La Stampa newspaper.

According to the Italian minister, Russia is converting its economy on a war footing, which "makes it more equipped and flexible than in NATO countries, from the point of view of military production."

He noted that it took a year to reach an appropriate production level to be able to help Ukraine, "but it is still inferior to Russia’s."

The Ukrainian side has been lamenting over insufficient weapons and munitions supplies and delays in their deliveries. Western officials, including the Italian minister, have acknowledged that reserves for Ukraine are exhausted.