When Reuters reporters visited an artillery unit in the Donetsk region, the epicenter of the Russian army's offensive along a 1,000-km front, the unit fired M-109 self-propelled guns as needed.
Previously, soldiers said they were forced to limit the use of 155mm ammunition for counterattacks, affecting their ability to support infantry.
"Before we had a 'hunger for shells'. Ammunition was rationed quite strictly. This affected the infantry... But now the 'hunger' has disappeared and we can work well," said unit commander Vasyl, 46.
Sergeant Oleh of the 33rd Separate Mechanized Brigade of Ukraine prepares ammunition for an M109L self-propelled gun before firing towards Russian troops near the front line, in the Donetsk region, June 23. Photo: Reuters
Ukraine's demand for artillery shells has skyrocketed since the Russia-Ukraine conflict erupted in February 2022, while Kiev's Western allies are depleting their own stockpiles by shipping shells to Ukraine, which needs thousands of rounds a day.
Now, a new wave of artillery shells has begun to reach units like Vasyl's after the US Congress ended months of delays and passed a $61 billion aid package.
But for Oleh, 39, a gunner in his unit, the problem is not just ammunition. Ukraine has launched a major mobilization in the hope of replenishing its depleted forces in the coming months. Some say it has taken too long.
“We have very few people, not even half the number of people we should have,” Oleh said.
Meanwhile, Vasyl is more optimistic as he readies his artillery for the next move. Confident that Ukraine will prevail over Russia, he says: "We will overcome this at any cost. That is our spirit, that is our Ukraine."
Ngoc Anh (according to Reuters)
Source: https://www.congluan.vn/vu-khi-phuong-tay-bat-dau-den-tien-tuyen-ukraine-post300696.html
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