Ukraine struggling to maximize every shell as ammunition ration continues

Ukrainian forces are trying to make every shell count as their munitions run dangerously low — and Russia is trying to push their advantage by targeting what supplies remain in Ukrainian stockpiles.

Faced with rationing ammunition as US legislators continue to squabble over a new funding package, Ukraine has been firing what shells it has remaining at Russian supply lines and fuel depots in the hopes of starving out invading troops on the front lines.

“By hitting targets at depth, you are relieving troops at the front,” retired German Lt. Gen. Heinrich Brauss told the Wall Street Journal, explaining the strategy.

Ukraine has also been targeting Russian airbases deep behind the front lines in the hopes of stopping relentless drone, rocket, and missile strikes that have been harassing the ammunition-starved Ukrainian military, according to the Journal.

Supplies have begun to run dangerously low as US negotiations over further funding for Ukraine, first proposed in October, grind into yet another week of gridlock on Capital Hill.

After appearing to come close to a resolution over the $118 billion package — which includes $60 billion in Ukrainian aide, along with billions for Israel, Gaza, and US border security — Senate conservatives labeled it a “non-starter” on Sunday over dissatisfaction with border legislation it included.

With no dependable US funding in sight, Ukraine has been forced to continue conserving the ammunition it has remaining.

The rationing has left Ukraine severally outgunned — for the past few weeks Russia has been firing 10 artillery shells for every one Ukraine is able to fire, a Ukrainian security official told the Journal.

Hoping to press the moment, Russia has begun focusing its fire its fire on Ukraine’s precious military vehicles, equipment, and stockpiles.

European nations have begun to take up the slack for Ukraine by supplying what munitions they can, but NATO’s Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg acknowledging the war had become “a battle of ammunition.”

“So far we have dug into our stocks, but with the consumption of ammunition we see in Ukraine and the needs we see to continue to provide support to Ukraine, we need to ramp up production,” Stoltenberg said in a January statement.

While Russia has been churning out shells at a rate of about 2 million per year, Ukraine has resorted to crafting improvised armed drones by importing remote controlled devices.