Ukrainian Artillery Faces Ammunition Shortages in Battle Against Russian Forces
In the heart of eastern Ukraine, the Ukrainian military is facing a critical challenge – ammunition shortages. As Russian forces continue to advance, Ukrainian artillery units are forced to make tough decisions on how to allocate their dwindling stockpiles of ammunition. This shortage is allowing Russian troops to slip through and gain ground, putting Ukrainian forces at a disadvantage.
Artem, a battery commander in the 26th Artillery Brigade, knows this struggle all too well. He spends his days deciding when his gunners should fire and when they need to hold off. But lately, it’s been more of the latter. “Last summer, we used 100 shells per day. The enemy infantry did not even think about moving here. They had no plans to advance because they knew that every unit that was here would use everything they had to repel their attack,” Artem said. However, these days his men are forced to make do with a fraction of the ammunition they used to have, limiting their ability to strike targets effectively.
This scenario is playing out all along the front lines in Ukraine. As the United States Congress delays President Joe Biden’s request for additional security assistance for Kyiv, Ukrainian commanders are left with tough choices. The recent loss of Avdiivka, a town on the front lines since 2014, could have been prevented if Ukraine had received the necessary artillery ammunition to defend it, according to Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba. International observers agree with this assessment, stating that delays in Western help have hindered Ukrainian troops’ ability to defend against Russian advances.
Oleh Kalashnikov, spokesperson for the 26th Artillery Brigade, highlights the significant change in supplies in recent months. He emphasizes the importance of artillery in launching successful offensives and protecting infantry units. However, the advantage Ukraine once had in the number of shells fired has gradually been lost, with Russia now having the upper hand in ammunition. While exact numbers are not released, it is clear that Russia is firing multiple times as many rounds as Ukraine.
The consequences of these ammunition shortages are evident in the increasing number of casualties. Dr. Sviatoslav Mykytiuk, a surgeon in the 22nd Brigade’s medical company, has witnessed the changing nature of injuries over the past year. With Russian infantry getting closer to Ukrainian troops, more soldiers are getting injured on the front lines. Evacuating casualties has become a challenge, leading to longer delays and secondary injuries. The lack of modern weapons and ammunition further exacerbates the situation.
Despite these challenges, Ukrainian soldiers continue to demonstrate resilience and determination. Dr. Mykytiuk recalls a reconnaissance man who walked six kilometers back to his unit after being hit in a drone attack, only collapsing upon reaching the medical point. The soldier’s strength and spirit serve as a testament to their unwavering commitment.
In Bakhmut, Oleh Bulatetskyi, an artillery troop commander, understands the importance of making every shot count. His unit relies on Soviet-era 2S1 Gvozdika howitzers, which lack precision compared to modern Western weapons. However, with sufficient supplies, these artillery pieces can still get the job done. Bulatetskyi acknowledges the major problems caused by ammunition shortages but remains hopeful, stating that drones are helping them cope with the situation.
The toll of these ammunition shortages is evident at the Kharkiv City Cemetery, where a new section is dedicated to recently fallen soldiers. The graves, adorned with large Ukrainian flags, serve as a stark reminder of the sacrifices made in the fight against Russian aggression. As Ukrainian forces continue to face ammunition shortages, they rely on their unwavering spirit and determination to defend their homeland.
In conclusion, the ammunition shortages faced by Ukrainian artillery units in the battle against Russian forces pose significant challenges. As Russian troops advance, Ukrainian commanders are forced to make tough decisions on how to allocate their limited stockpiles of ammunition. The consequences are evident in the increasing number of casualties and the loss of strategic positions. However, despite these challenges, Ukrainian soldiers continue to demonstrate resilience and unwavering commitment to defending their homeland. As the international community debates further assistance, the urgency to address these ammunition shortages becomes even more critical.
