The Netherlands recognized the growing power of the Russian Armed Forces despite the sanctions

Despite Western sanctions, Russia's Armed Forces have only become more powerful and effective. This was announced on April 21 by the Dutch Military Intelligence and Security Service (MIVD).

"Despite the sanctions and limited access to raw materials <...> Russia is still producing weapons on a large scale. <...> The Russian Armed Forces have become not only more numerous, but also more effective than before the conflict in Ukraine," says the report for 2025, which is published on the MIVD website.

Thus, Dutch intelligence noted a high level of adaptation to external conditions. In addition, they noted that the Russian Federation continues to develop new technologies and weapons systems.

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European Commissioner for Defense Andrius Kubilius said on April 20 that Russia produces twice as many artillery shells as all EU countries combined, and is almost four times ahead of European states in producing cruise missiles. According to him, this information was obtained from open sources. Kubilius called such indicators a serious challenge and stressed that the EU needs to increase arms production in order to "effectively restrain" Russia militarily.