After two years of conflict and constant Russian bombardment, the war in Ukraine has reached a near-standstill. Both armies have been stuck in trench warfare for most of 2023 and the beginning of 2024. This is what's known as a "tactical stalemate": Neither side has enough soldiers, weapons or ammunition to gain the upper hand.

The West is struggling to continue supplying Ukraine with the equipment that is necessary now that artillery exchanges have become the most common method of fighting, in particular with 155 mm artillery shells. Faced with stalling support, Ukraine must find an alternative. 2024 is a year that promises to be decisive in the outcome of the war.

List of open sources used in this investigation