Ukraine is running out of the ammunition needed for its US-supplied Howitzer guns as additional American aid for its military is held up by Congress — all while Russia is quickly bolstering its firepower, Kyiv soldiers warned.
A Ukrainian artillery crew operating an M109 Paladin Howitzer said they have been forced to start rationing their shells to try to beat back Russia’s forces near Bakhmut because of the dwindling supply.
“We cannot fulfill our tasks 100%, although we want to,” a commander from the 93rd Mechanized Brigade told CNN, adding that he is desperately waiting for more ammo.
“My crew and other crews are just waiting for it and are ready to work around the clock,” he said.
The crew ended up receiving a new ammunition shipment for its Howitzer during CNN’s time with the soldiers, but the supply only included four additional rounds, which were non-explosive.
Another Ukrainian commander stationed in Bakhmut acknowledged that Russia’s war economy is quickly outpacing Ukraine’s own supplies from its allies, with Moscow making use of its Soviet-era reserves as it attacked the border.
“The ratio is about 10 to 1,” the commander told the outlet in terms of the disparity in munitions between the two countries’ soldiers. “Russia is a country that produces ammo, and they have strategic reserves. Yes, they use old Soviet systems. But Soviet systems can still kill.”
Earlier this month, Ukrainian Maj. Gen. Vadym Skibitskyi said Russia was crafting up to 130 long-range missiles and 115 shorter-range rockets each month.
Ukrainian intelligence officials also reported that Moscow had increased its production of shells to about 2 million rounds a year.
Meanwhile, Ukraine is lagging behind as the Pentagon announced last month that it sent $250 million worth of weaponry to Kyiv, the last batch of US military aid as Congress wavers over approving additional help.
President Biden asked Congress in October to approve $61.4 billion in additional security assistance for Ukraine as part of a $106 billion emergency funding request, but an aid package has yet to be approved.
The lack of aid from the US was highlighted in a German intelligence report warning that Russia would capitalize on the disparity to launch an all-out assault on Ukraine in the coming weeks.
Norwegian Gen. Eirik Kristoffersen also warned Sunday that Moscow is building up its weapons stockpile at a rate far faster than previously predicted, widening the gap with Ukraine and threatening the spread of war to the rest of Europe.
Kristoffersen added that NATO needs to stay ahead of Moscow, which he said has switched to “a war economy” that is being quickly bolstered by allies in Iran and North Korea.