Looming crisis confronts Ukrainian forces as they teeter on the edge of exhausting their ammunition reserves in the face of relentless Russian aggression, as revealed by a senior Pentagon official.
Celeste Wallander, overseeing international security affairs at the Defense Department, asserts that this critical shortage not only leaves Kyiv exposed but also offers Moscow an opportunity to exploit vulnerabilities in Ukraine’s military defenses.
The root cause of this perilous predicament stems from the depletion of U.S. military aid to Ukraine, a consequence of Congress’s failure to pass President Biden’s emergency funding request for the embattled nation.
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As reported by THE HILL on Wednesday, January 24, 2024, the lack of financial support has deprived Ukrainian units of essential stocks. Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Ryder, speaking during a press briefing on Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2024, in Washington, acknowledged the gravity of the situation.
In October, President Biden sought a substantial $61.5 billion to fortify Ukraine’s arsenal and replenish U.S. military stocks, intending to serve as a crucial lifeline, especially as the Department of Defense approached the end of previously allocated funds by Congress.
However, dwindling financial resources in Ukraine, coupled with Congress’s bitter disputes over southern border security policies, have prevented the much-needed lethal assistance from reaching Kyiv at the levels seen in the past two years.
Celeste Wallander emphasized the urgency of addressing Congress’s questions to expedite the passage of a supplemental funding bill.
The last U.S. weapons package to Ukraine, announced on December 27, featured $250 million in artillery, air defenses, and other essential equipment. However, the inconsistency in aid packages has affected Ukraine’s planning and operations, creating shortfalls in critical areas beyond ammunition.
The gravity of the situation is underscored by Russia’s calculated response to the ammunition shortage, launching a surge of missile and drone attacks against Ukraine.
Despite Russia’s efforts, the Ukrainians, drawing from two years of experience, have managed to withstand the onslaught.
The U.S.-led Ukraine Defense Contact Group, comprising Western military and defense chiefs, recently met virtually. Traditionally, major assistance packages are announced after such meetings. However, the stalemate in Congress over Biden’s supplemental request has left the group unable to provide the expected support.
Pentagon press secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder, addressing the lack of funding, disclosed that the Pentagon has been forced to “pause” sending additional weapons from its inventories due to implications for U.S. military readiness.
This funding gap prevents the U.S. from meeting Ukraine’s most urgent battlefield needs, including artillery rounds, anti-tank weapons, and air defense interceptors. Additionally, the inability to allocate extra funding hampers the Pentagon’s ability to provide Ukraine with systems and equipment for medium- and longer-term requirements.
As the ammunition crisis unfolds, the international community anxiously awaits decisive action to address the immediate needs of Ukraine and ensure its resilience against ongoing Russian aggression. The urgency of the situation underscores the delicate balance between geopolitical tensions and the imperative to provide humanitarian and military support to a nation facing a critical juncture in its history.
