Ukraine’s cash-strapped and under-resourced military is using munitions that had been designated for disposal before Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022.

Its defence ministry said on Tuesday it had returned a “significant amount of ammunition of various calibres” which had been “transferred to enterprises for disposal as surplus”.

The rounds, largely artillery shell and small arms munitions, are undoing “thorough” quality checks before being sent to the front, the ministry added.

Kyiv has been pleading with its allies for more weapons and ammunition to help shore up its frontline defences after suffering long delays and shortages that allowed Russian forces to advance in the east.

“We understand that today every shot, missile, and ammunition is vital on the battlefield,” deputy defence Minister Yuriy Dzhyhyr said in a statement. “Instead of disposing of the ammunition, we are disposing of the enemy,” he added.

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