"Thirst" for artillery shells holds Ukraine back on the front line

Ukrainian artillery opens fire (Photo: BI).

According to Business Insider , as the Russia-Ukraine war has lasted 23 months and become a war of attrition, Russia is gaining a huge advantage by maintaining superior military capabilities over its opponents, especially artillery.

The situation is becoming increasingly difficult for Ukrainian soldiers as they are overwhelmed by Russia in both manpower and weapons. The lack of ammunition not only makes it difficult for Ukraine to mount another counterattack in the future, but also puts Kiev at risk of losing more territory to Russia as Moscow steps up its attacks along the entire front.

Celeste Wallander, the US assistant secretary of defense for international security affairs, said this week that the Pentagon was aware of concerns from Ukrainian military leaders that their soldiers “don’t have the ammunition stocks they require.”

One important type of ammunition is artillery shells. Last summer, Ukraine fired up to 7,000 shells a day, compared to 5,000 shells from Russia.

But now those numbers seem to have changed dramatically. Ukraine fires just 2,000 rounds a day, and Russia fires nearly 10,000. Russia is still maintaining and increasing its weapons production capacity, but Ukraine is showing clear signs of "running out of steam."

“We have been working with our allies and partners to expand ammunition production. We are looking to accommodate that,” Mr. Wallander said.

Plans are underway. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg announced earlier this week $1.2 billion in new contracts for about 220,000 155mm artillery shells, which have played a key role in the Russia-Ukraine war.

“Russia’s war in Ukraine has become a war of ammunition, so it is important that the Allies replenish their stockpiles while continuing to support Ukraine,” Mr Stoltenberg said.

Analysts at the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) said it was unclear whether NATO contracts would allow the alliance to send more ammunition to Ukraine or simply replenish its own stockpiles. Both goals are important in the long term.

"Western security assistance remains crucial for Ukraine because any slow or sudden reduction in Western aid would likely eliminate Ukraine's ability to defend itself," ISW said.

Ukraine is also trying to increase artillery shell production to reduce dependence on the West, but in terms of capacity and power, Russia has a clear advantage.

On the other hand, Ukraine is facing an uncertain situation as US and EU aid proposals have yet to be approved due to internal turmoil.

Pentagon officials insist that without more aid money, Washington cannot arm Kyiv at the same level and speed as it has done since the early days of the war.

US and Ukrainian officials warn that the impact of the aid drying up is dire. Some say Ukraine will lose without continued support.

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/the-gioi/con-khat-dan-phao-kim-chan-ukraine-tren-tien-tuyen-20240125100901088.htm