Ukrainian Troops Inform BBC of Firing Limitations Due to Shortage of Shells in Ukraine Conflict

While a major military aid package for Ukraine is stalled in the US Congress, concerns are mounting about Ukraine's long-term ability to withstand Russia's aggression. The BBC recently visited the frontline in eastern Ukraine, where troops are facing a shortage of ammunition, to understand how the lack of support from allies is impacting them. At the frontline, the crew of a US-made M-109 Paladin howitzer receives instructions through the radio. They quickly jump into action, loading the gun and firing a round. However, they soon receive an order to stand down and cover the gun. This is because there is a shortage of artillery shells, and the troops have to save ammunition due to limited supplies from their allies. Ukraine's troops primarily use 155-mm projectiles, which are provided by foreign partners, but they need more rounds than their allies can currently provide. This shortage of ammunition not only hinders their ability to recapture land but also leaves them vulnerable to Russia's attacks. Without adequate ammunition, Ukraine could ultimately lose the war. On the front line near the town of Bakhmut, Ukrainian soldiers are defending their territories against Russian forces. They are grateful for the newly-arrived Paladins donated by Western partners and take precautions to protect them from enemy drones. As winter approaches, the soldiers anticipate a difficult time ahead. The lack of progress in the counteroffensive and the realization that the war will continue for an extended period has made the soldiers aware of the urgent need for support. They fear that without assistance from the West, the situation will worsen, leading to Russia seizing Ukraine and potentially posing a threat to other neighboring countries. Although the EU promised to provide one million artillery shells, Ukraine claimed to have received less than a third of the promised amount. The US previously sent controversial cluster munitions to address the shortage, but even those supplies have fallen. The dwindling support and aid pose a critical issue for the soldiers. Without ammunition, even the advanced artillery systems will be rendered useless. The soldiers emphasize that ammunition is vital for the positional war they are engaged in, where permanent and fortified front lines make the role of artillery crucial. The shortage of ammunition affects both Western artillery shells and older Soviet artillery rounds. The stocks of both are rapidly depleting, and production is limited. The soldiers on the frontline stress that with more ammunition, they could achieve greater success in their operations. The stalled aid package, worth $60 billion, has left the soldiers feeling disillusioned. They fear that without US funding, they will not be able to acquire modern Western guns anytime soon. This lack of aid translates to higher losses for Ukraine, and the soldiers are frustrated that the importance of military support for Ukraine is not fully understood by Europe and the US. The Ukrainian soldiers plead with their Western partners to comprehend the urgency of the situation. If they fail to stop the Russians, the repercussions will extend beyond Ukraine, and Europe and America might have to defend their own lands while their people suffer. The soldiers hope for immediate support before it is too late.