Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that for the first time since Russia’s invasion, Ukrainian brigades did not report a lack of artillery shells, marking a significant improvement in the country’s military capabilities. This development comes after a critical shortage of artillery shells over the winter months, mainly due to delays in U.S. military aid. A Czech-led initiative identified large quantities of artillery shells available outside Europe that could be purchased and sent to Ukraine after securing the necessary funds. Multiple countries, including Belgium, the Netherlands, and Canada, have contributed to this initiative, potentially resulting in the delivery of 1.5 million rounds to Kyiv.
One factor contributing to Russia’s recent battlefield successes in Ukraine is its heavy use of glide bombs. These large and deadly weapons create significant damage, including 20-meter-wide craters and destruction of military positions and settlements. Russia has been using glide bombs extensively, causing devastation in the conflict zone. Russia has also increased its military production capacity and is reportedly able to produce 1 million shells a year, with potential for much higher numbers. Additionally, Russia is receiving new supplies of ammunition from abroad, with North Korea emerging as a significant arms supplier, according to Ukrainian sources.
In response to the urgent need for artillery shells, efforts have been made to procure the necessary ammunition for Ukrainian forces. The Czech-led initiative to buy artillery shells for Ukraine has garnered support from various countries, with funds being allocated to purchase and deliver large quantities of shells to Ukraine. This initiative seeks to address the critical shortage of artillery shells that Ukraine has faced, particularly during the winter months. President Zelensky highlighted the progress made in procuring artillery shells, noting that no brigades reported shortages for the first time during the war.
In a strategic move to enhance Ukraine’s military capabilities, Defense Minister Rustem Umerov recently dismissed Brigadier General Serhii Baranov from his position as head of the Missile, Artillery, and UAV Forces. This decision reflects the Ukrainian government’s focus on optimizing the country’s strategic planning and combat operations involving missiles, howitzers, cannons, mortars, artillery, and drones. Clearing the way for new leadership in this crucial area of the Ukrainian Armed Forces suggests a commitment to improving effectiveness and coordination in military operations against Russian forces.
The ongoing conflict in Ukraine continues to see significant military developments, with both Ukraine and Russia making strategic moves to bolster their respective capabilities. The supply of artillery shells to Ukrainian forces is a critical aspect of the country’s defense against Russian aggression. Efforts to procure these vital resources from international partners have brought some relief, with the potential for delivering substantial quantities of shells to Ukraine. As Russia continues to increase its military production and receive arms supplies from abroad, the situation in Ukraine remains complex and requires ongoing support for the country’s defense efforts.
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