Donetsk Region: Ukrainian gun commander Oleksandr Kozachenko expresses urgent need for U.S. ammunition amid relentless Russian assaults, underscoring the critical state of the country’s eastern front.
Kozachenko’s 148th Separate Artillery Brigade, stationed in the Donetsk region, faces severe challenges as their U.S.-supplied M777 howitzer, once firing 100 shells daily, now struggles to manage even 30 amidst ammunition shortages.
The delayed approval of a $61 billion aid package by the U.S. Congress has hindered timely ammunition and weapon deliveries to Ukraine, exacerbating the situation. Despite promises of expedited assistance, as of early May, frontline artillery units report inadequate supplies to repel Russian advances effectively.
Resurgent Russian forces, superior in number and firepower, have intensified attacks across the eastern Donbas region and northeastern border, gaining significant ground in 2024. Analysts highlight an alarming trend with Russia seizing more territory this year than Ukraine reclaimed during its 2023 counteroffensive.
Also Read | NASA and Boeing Face Further Delay as Helium Leak Postpones Starliner’s Crewed Launch
Colonel Pavlo Palisa, of the 93rd Mechanised Brigade near Chasiv Yar, warns of a potential major Russian offensive aimed at breaking Ukrainian lines in the east. He believes Moscow seeks to capture the entire Donbas industrial region by year-end, further escalating the conflict.
Russian advances threaten several key cities in eastern Ukraine, including Kostiantynivka, Druzhkivka, Kramatorsk, and Sloviansk, causing fear and uncertainty among residents. The proximity of Russian forces to urban centers intensifies the sense of impending danger.
Also Read | Ukrainian Drone Strike Causes Power Blackouts and Fires in Crimea
Ukrainian communities along the frontline endure relentless bombardment, with towns and cities in the Donetsk region witnessing daily attacks, resulting in widespread destruction and displacement.
As the conflict escalates, Ukraine faces challenges on multiple fronts, with stretched forces defending against Russian incursions in the east and fresh assaults in the northeastern Kharkiv region. The diversion of Ukrainian reserves to multiple conflict zones threatens to strain resources and compromise defense capabilities.
Also Read | Slovakia’s Prime Minister Fico Remains in Serious Condition, Officials Report
Despite efforts to bolster mobilization and reinforce frontline troops, the prolonged war poses significant challenges. Ukrainian commanders emphasize the importance of inflicting heavy costs on Russia swiftly, recognizing the daunting task ahead in confronting a formidable adversary.
