Ukraine is facing a serious shortage of ammunition and weapons, which has put its army on the backfoot in recent months. Despite a $61 billion military support package from the US, experts believe that it will only be enough to hold the frontline and possibly regain some lost territory. The situation has worsened due to a lack of military support from Western allies, forcing Ukrainian forces to ration bullets. Russia has gained momentum and has been using ‘human wave’ tactics, sending poorly trained recruits to the frontline to force Ukraine to use up ammunition.
The Ukrainian army has been forced to abandon territory westward, starting with Avdiivka in Donetsk region. Recently, Ukraine forces have been outnumbered in three villages in the East, including Berdychi, Semenivka, and Novomykhailivka in Donetsk Oblast. The Ukrainian army chief Oleksandr Syrskyi noted that the enemy has succeeded tactically in these directions but has not achieved an operational advantage. The lack of fully set defensive lines poses a challenge for Ukraine, making it difficult for them to go on the offensive until 2025 or even 2026.
In some battles, Russia has deployed the ‘human wave’ tactic, sending poorly trained soldiers into the battlefield to encourage Ukrainians to use up ammunition. This tactic, previously used by the now-deposed Wagner group, has been adopted by the Russian army and has been effective in Ukraine. Ukrainian officer Oleksandr Matiash, who has been on the frontline since the invasion began, believes that Ukraine will win the war but at a critical cost. He highlights the need for more people to defend the country, comparing the situation to World War II when Germany invaded Poland.
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg acknowledged to Ukrainian President Zelenskyy the disparity in firepower between Ukraine and Russia, noting that Russia has had the upper hand for months. Fewer Russian missiles and drones have been shot down, allowing Russia to push forward on the front line. The situation in Ukraine is dire, with the army facing challenges in terms of ammunition shortages and the deployment of ‘human wave’ tactics by Russia. Despite some military support from allies, Ukraine continues to struggle to hold its ground against the Russian army.
The lack of ammunition and weapons have put Ukraine at a disadvantage in the ongoing conflict. The $61 billion military support package from the US is seen as inadequate to fully address the challenges faced by the Ukrainian army. The situation has deteriorated due to the lack of military support from Western allies, allowing Russia to gain and maintain momentum in the conflict. The deployment of ‘human wave’ tactics by Russia further complicates the situation for Ukraine, forcing them to use up ammunition and face losses in battles. The Ukrainian army is under pressure to defend its territory and hold the frontline against Russian advances.
