Replenishment from 3D printer
Ukrainian troops are apparently rationing shells
04/08/2023 12:29 p.m
There have been no major movements on the front line in the Ukraine war for weeks. Nevertheless, thousands upon thousands of artillery shells are fired every day. Apparently both Russians and Ukrainians have supply problems, but according to one report Ukraine is showing itself to be extremely creative.
Faced with a critical ammunition shortage, Ukrainian troops are rationing shells. As the “Washington Post” reported from the Donetsk region, the Ukrainians therefore chose their targets more carefully. Accordingly, Russian equipment is prioritized over smaller infantry groups. In addition, soldiers used 3D printers to produce alternative ammunition in secret, underground workshops in the east of the country. Also, the Ukrainian troops actively searched for ammunition in the areas liberated from the Russian occupiers. According to the report, Ukrainian troops are currently firing 7,700 artillery shells a day. Russia’s consumption is estimated to be three times as much.
Ammunition has apparently been scarce for a long time, especially for the Soviet-produced systems. Therefore, according to the report, third countries occasionally buy Soviet ammunition from former members of the Warsaw Pact. This ammunition will then be secretly handed over to Ukraine in order to avoid political consequences for the former Soviet states, some of which still have relations with Russia. According to the Washington Post, problems could then arise on the battlefield. Soldiers reported that artillery ammunition from different countries also had different accuracy. In addition, this could cause additional wear and tear on the war equipment. On the other hand, Ukraine has more Western artillery ammunition, but fewer firing systems.
The “Washington Post” speculates, however, that Ukraine could also hold back parts of its artillery ammunition for the expected spring offensive. Military analyst Rob Lee of the Foreign Policy Research Institute is quoted as saying that the Western partners have recently increased their deliveries as a result, but at the same time could then send less artillery ammunition in the autumn and winter. Therefore, a long war could presumably favor Russia. “The availability of artillery ammunition is one of the single most important factors in this war,” Lee is quoted as saying by the Washington Post.
Russia is also struggling with problems
The shortage of ammunition is a problem both Ukraine and Russia are grappling with more than a year into the war. Recently, the Kremlin troops have also become much more cautious when firing artillery ammunition. Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu announced plans to ramp up ammunition production. According to Russian military bloggers, however, the artillery in particular is experiencing a massive ammunition deficit.
According to experts, this has also meant that Russia can only carry out attacks on individual front sections such as at Bakhmut or Avdiivka in the Donetsk region. The Russian military’s consumption of artillery ammunition is generally considered to be higher than that of the Ukrainian side because Moscow lacks high-precision shells, and therefore they need more shells to hit targets. According to reports China is also considering sending artillery ammunition to Russia.
Meanwhile, Poland has announced that it will boost its own artillery production. Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki said in Warsaw two weeks ago that his government would provide the equivalent of around 427 million euros for corresponding investments by domestic and foreign producers as part of a national ammunition program. France also announced that it would increase monthly deliveries of artillery ammunition. During the week, the US Department of Defense announced new military aid for Ukraine worth 2.6 billion US dollars (almost 2.4 billion euros). The package primarily contains ammunition for artillery pieces and weapon systems such as the HIMARS multiple rocket launchers.