Ukraine Burns Through Ammunition in Bakhmut, Risking Future Fights – The New York Times

In Ukraine’s eastern city of Bakhmut, the nation is consuming its munitions at an alarming rate, risking the possibility of future clashes with Russian-backed separatists.

The Ukrainian army has been battling Russian-backed secessionists in the region for five years, and it has burned through hundreds of millions of dollars’ worth of ammunition in the process. According to the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense, the nation has gone through more than 1.5 million shells and nearly 1 million mortar rounds in the conflict.

The country’s limited stockpile of ammunition is now a source of growing concern for Ukrainian officials. The ongoing war has left Ukraine with a shortage of ammunition, and the nation is now reliant on foreign suppliers for much of its weaponry.

The shortages have forced the Ukrainian military to become more efficient in its use of munitions. The army has begun to use precision-guided munitions, which are more accurate and can be fired with greater precision. This has allowed Ukrainian forces to target enemy forces more effectively, while also reducing the amount of ammunition they must expend.

However, the demand for precision-guided munitions has put a strain on Ukraine’s supply chain. Many of these munitions are expensive and require specialized technology to manufacture. This has made it difficult for Ukraine to acquire the necessary munitions, leaving it reliant on foreign suppliers.

The Ukrainian government is now scrambling to replenish its stockpile of munitions. The government has already secured several deals with foreign suppliers, and it is also looking to expand its domestic production of munitions.

The shortage of munitions in Ukraine could have serious implications for the ongoing conflict with the Russian-backed separatists. If Ukraine does not have enough munitions, it could be forced to retreat or surrender in future battles.

The situation in Ukraine highlights the importance of having a reliable supply of munitions. Nations must be prepared to fight their battles with enough ammunition, or risk losing them altogether.