In the annual Military Balance report of the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS, UK), Russia is "compensating for quality with quantity" by being able to launch up to 90 old tanks into the battlefield each month, replacing destroyed tanks.
Destroyed Russian tanks in Ukraine's Sumy region in March 2022
Russia's tank inventory can help replace the heavy losses in weapons for about three more years, even if they are of lower technical standards. This is not related to Russia's ability to produce new equipment.
Russia reportedly has 1,750 combat-ready main battle tanks, ranging from older models like the T-55 to modern models like the T-80 and T-90. Moscow has another 4,000 in storage.
Russia is able to compensate for tank losses, Ukraine is running out of ammunition
With that number of weapons and replacement capabilities, the IISS assessed that the stalemate on the battlefield could last throughout 2024. Russia did not immediately comment on the above information.
Ukraine has also reportedly suffered heavy losses since fighting began in February 2022, but additional Western arms supplies have allowed the country to maintain its stockpiles while upgrading their quality.
At a press conference on February 14 at the White House, US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said Ukrainian soldiers were running out of ammunition and the US Congress needed to approve an aid budget.
Ukrainian servicemen fighting near Bakhmut in early February
"We cannot wait any longer. Every day that passes comes at a cost to the Ukrainian people and to U.S. national security interests. We are receiving reports of Ukrainian soldiers being cut off from weapons, even those on the front lines running out of ammunition, while Russian forces continue their ground offensive and are trying to degrade Ukraine's air defenses," Sullivan said.
After months of negotiations, the Democratic-controlled US Senate passed a foreign aid bill that includes $60 billion for Ukraine. However, the bill has not yet been passed by the Republican-controlled House of Representatives.
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