Not only are Western countries diligently searching for weapons for Ukraine, but Russia is also struggling with shortages of weapons and ammunition. According to the British MoD, Russia is dusting off its 1960s tanks and training soldiers to fight with pioneering shovels. Wagner’s boss Prigozhin warns of the collapse of the front in the absence of ammunition.
The Allies travel through Eastern Europe in search of old military supplies from the former Soviet Union. This is because there is a big gap between promising weapons and real deliveries. According to BNR foreign commentator Bernard Hammelburg, finding suitable ammunition is particularly problematic.
‘Most of the artillery at the time was 122mm in general, today it’s almost all 150mm. So it has to be redone,’ says Hammelburg. According to him, a factory has finally been found in Bulgaria which will be “dusted off, refurbished and restarted”. “And that’s where locals are recruited to come and work.”
“That Prigozhin kept complaining about the shortage of ammunition for weeks”
The same problem afflicts the Russian side of the front line, where old supplies are also being used. With all its consequences on the battlefield, especially for the remaining civilian population. You rarely reach your goal. It always ends “somewhere”. «Because it can also be a school, a hospital or a shopping centre. Instead of that military base you want to hit.”
Old T-62 tanks
The destroyed main battle tanks have long been replaced by older T-62 models, but recently Soviet BTR-50 models are also said to have been used. These were first produced in 1954. The so-called 1st Tank Army, one of the most important units of the Russian Army, also received old tanks to supplement its stock.
“Around 800 T-62s have been withdrawn from storage since the summer of 2022,” the British ministry said. “Some have received improved sighting systems that will most likely improve their effectiveness at night.” However, vehicles also have many weaknesses, such as their armor.
Wagner head angry
The lack of ammunition on the Russian side has been loudly expressed by the head of the Wagner group Prigozhin for the past week and a half. According to Prigozhin, either there is incompetence preventing his troops from being supplied, or active sabotage by the Russian army command with which he is publicly in conflict. “He thinks they’re just a bunch of fools.”
In both cases it warns of the collapse of the front. “He Says: We’re almost there now, but if I don’t get the ammo now, we’ll lose.”
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Source: BNR
Sharon Rock is an author and journalist who writes for 24 News Globe. She has a passion for learning about different cultures and understanding the complexities of the world. With a talent for explaining complex global issues in an accessible and engaging way, Sharon has become a respected voice in the field of world news journalism.
