As Kiev’s counteroffensive continues, Ukraine’s forces will need constant shipments of ammunition to replenish their dwindling stockpiles.
Zelensky’s admission
For months, the world has been anxiously awaiting the start of the Ukrainian counteroffensive to recapture territory seized by Russian forces. Now that the offensive is in full swing, a few issues have become apparent. Many expected Kiev’s progress to be much faster. However, all movements were very slow.
Even Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky acknowledged the slow pace of the counterattack, which has been hampered by Russia’s heavily fortified defense lines.
Zelensky said a few days ago that the insufficient supply of ammunition was partly responsible for the slow pace of the counterattack. The Ukrainian president added that some of his soldiers “can’t even think” about launching an attack because of the lack of necessary supplies.
Western aid
Since the beginning of the invasion, the U.S. and other North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) allies have provided a wealth of aid to Kiev, including humanitarian, economic, heavy weapons and ammunition.
A Congressional Research Service report released last month detailed that Washington alone has committed more than $40 billion in security aid to Kiev since February 2022.
In addition to weapons and infantry equipment, NATO members have delivered air defense systems, air-to-surface missiles, artillery, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), armored vehicles, communications equipment and even manned aircraft to Ukraine’s front lines.
More recently, the Biden administration changed course and agreed to allow Kiev to fly fourth-generation American-made fighters such as the F-16 Fighting Falcon – although initially the aircraft will likely be provided by partner countries. Expected deliveries of the US M1A1 Abrams main battle tank (MBT) are also expected to boost the capabilities of Ukraine’s armored forces.
Additional ammunition
While fighter jets and modern tanks will certainly aid Ukraine’s counteroffensive, additional ammunition is really what Kiev needs to maintain its ability to fight in the long term. According to an article published by the Japan Times, “US officials estimate that Putin can produce perhaps 1 million rounds of 152mm artillery ammunition annually as Russian industry ramps up.
The U.S. produces one-seventh, though it hopes to double that number by the end of the year and sixfold within half a decade. European production figures are still less impressive. The Kremlin knows that depleting Kiev’s ammunition reserves could prove to be the most effective strategy for its successful advance into the country.
In May, the European Union announced a plan to boost production of ammunition in Europe to supply Kiev, including 155mm artillery shells.
They decrease daily
EU members will be reimbursed up to a total of €1 billion for the munitions they donate to help Ukraine’s efforts. A secondary initiative will fund the joint purchase of additional ammunition by Norway and EU states, while a third will involve reimbursements for member states’ investments in processes that help speed up ammunition production.
As Kiev’s counteroffensive continues, Ukrainian forces will need constant shipments of ammunition to replenish their dwindling stockpiles.
