Expert warns of catastrophic shortage of ammunition risk: Delay in aid dims hope
Photo: an expert commented on the risk of a catastrophic shortage of ammunition at the end of March (Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
Forecasts about the supposed risk of a catastrophic shortage of ammunition in Ukraine have been made before. At the same time, the withholding of financial aid from the United States of America (USA) does not inspire optimism for Kyiv.
This was stated by military expert Oleksandr Musiienko in the article "Defense or victory: Anticipating Ukraine's third year of war."
Risk of catastrophic ammunition shortage
As reported by ABC, Ukraine may supposedly face a catastrophic shortage of ammunition, including for air defense systems, by the end of March.
The publication also suggests that the scenario of Avdiivka may repeat itself in other areas of the front line, and a shortage of missile interceptors could lead to Russia gaining control of the skies. This, in turn, would completely change the nature of the war.
Similar forecasts have been made before
According to Musiienko, similar forecasts have been made before, but Kyiv likely has some funds considering the recent successful destruction of seven enemy aircraft by the Ukrainian Air Force in just the past week. However, more missile interceptors are needed.
"If Iran supplies Russia with 400 missiles, as reported by Reuters, it will pose an additional challenge for us. If our supplies decrease, it will negatively impact our capabilities. However, we have stable supplies of IRIS-T, SAMP-T, and Patriot missiles, not only from the US. But the US funds the purchase of missiles in Europe, so crisis moments could indeed arise," emphasized the expert.
Musiienko also recalled the statement by the President of the Czech Republic, Petr Pavel, regarding 800,000 shells. Because they were not produced in Europe, the European Union will not allocate funds for them to avoid competition. It is important for them to be financed by the USA, but the blocking of billions for Ukraine does not add optimism.
US aid to Ukraine
Last year, Biden asked Congress to allocate over $100 billion in aid to Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan, as well as for the protection of the American border. Republicans refused to support the initiative, demanding tougher border security measures. Thus, aid to Ukraine became dependent on the position of Republican Party members.
Recently, the US Senate began considering a bill to provide aid to Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan without funds for border security. On February 3, senators supported it.
For the bill to take effect, it still needs to pass the House of Representatives and be signed by President Joe Biden.
