Ukrainian troops in their ongoing battle against Russian forces are facing severe ammunition shortages, causing them to ration supplies and struggle with outdated weaponry. As President Biden's $60 billion aid request for Ukraine remains stalled in Congress, the situation on the ground is becoming increasingly dire.
In the eastern region of Ukraine, where the fighting is most intense, soldiers are dealing with limited ammunition supplies for their aging weapons. One artillery unit, equipped with a U.S.-provided M777 gun, was given a target to fire at but could only manage to launch three rounds due to the scarcity of ammunition. The commander of the unit expressed concern over the deficit, emphasizing that they were previously using 50 to 60 shells per day and now have to make do with just 20 to 30.
The limited resupply truck that does manage to reach the troops brings only a few additional rounds. With U.S. military aid halted, the future outlook for Ukraine's ammunition shortages appears even more challenging. Meanwhile, Ukrainian soldiers are witnessing the Russian forces enjoying an abundant supply of ammunition, allegedly obtained from North Korea in large quantities over the past year.
The dire situation is not limited to one specific front line. Another fighting unit, Omega, operating near Avdivka, is facing similar obstacles. In the freezing temperatures of 22 degrees below zero, these troops had to resort to mounting a Soviet-era launcher onto a US-made pickup truck due to the lack of Western arms. However, they encountered difficulties when the outdated technology failed to function properly, likely due to the extreme cold weather. Frustrated by the malfunction, they were forced to retreat before being detected by the enemy.
The Ukrainian soldiers expressed their desire to strike back at the Russian forces but acknowledged the limitations imposed by their outdated equipment. They highlighted the importance of advancing technologies from the West, noting that such advancements have proven to yield favorable results on the battlefield.
In a war where Ukraine is already at a significant disadvantage in terms of firepower, delays caused by equipment failures or ammunition shortages can have severe consequences. The need for assistance in the form of modern weaponry and sufficient ammunition remains critical for the Ukrainian armed forces, as they continue their struggle against Russian aggression on multiple fronts.
As the aid request lingers in Congress, the pressure on Ukrainian troops intensifies, and the conflict shows no signs of abating. Urgent action is needed to address these ammunition shortages and provide the support necessary for Ukraine's defense.
