Ukraine cannot yet launch a large-scale counteroffensive because it lacks sufficient equipment and ammunition, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in an interview with Japan’s Yomiuri Shimbun, Suspilne reported on March 25, 2023.
“We cannot start yet”
“We are waiting for ammunition to arrive from partner countries. We cannot start yet,” Zelenskyy said. He said Ukraine’s defence forces needed more help from allies.
“If you have political will, you can find a way to help us. We are at war and cannot wait,” he added.
Outgunned
Zelenskyy said the situation in eastern Ukraine was difficult, partly because of ammunition shortages. Russian forces were firing about three times as many shells a day as Ukrainian forces, according to the report.
Waiting for Western weapons
Ukraine has been preparing a counteroffensive with Western-supplied tanks and armoured vehicles, including German Leopard 2 tanks, British Challengers and US Bradley fighting vehicles. Ukrainian troops are training in Europe and the US.
The EU agreed in March to provide one million artillery shells to Ukraine within a year, but European arms makers are struggling to increase production quickly. Fierce fighting continues around Bakhmut, where Russian forces have been trying to encircle the city for months.
Sources
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