Russia wants to quickly achieve a breakthrough on the front in Ukraine – before the weapons and ammunition approved by the US Congress are delivered to Ukrainian soldiers on the front line, reported The Telegraph.
In that regard, the Russian Defense Ministry has ordered more weapons to be delivered more quickly to the front lines in Ukraine, as generals await a breakthrough after weeks of territorial advances. Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said: “To maintain the necessary pace of the offensive... it is necessary to increase the volume and quality of weapons and military equipment supplied to our troops.
Russian forces have made almost tactical progress in recent weeks on the front line in southeastern Ukraine, and Kiev has blamed a lack of weapons for the dire situation on the front.
Ukrainian forces defending the strategic eastern city of Chasov Yar from intensifying Russian attacks say they are still waiting for new ammunition after the United States approved a major military aid package, Reuters reported. The Russian army is advancing west of the city of Avdeevka captured in February and has reached the outskirts of Chasov Yar, another important objective that will allow it to attack other cities from there.
Oleg Shiryaev, commander of the 225th separate assault battalion of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, which is fighting near Chasov Yar, said additional shells would help hold the positions. "I hope we get artillery shells soon," he said, speaking from a command post outside the city. He added that supplies of ammunition from the Allies had in the past been able to bring about major changes on the battlefield.