NATO Official Raises Dire Alarm on Western Ammo Stocks Plunging to Rock-bottom Amid Prolonged Ukraine Conflict
Concerns rise over dwindling Western ammo stocks amidst ongoing Ukraine conflict, prompting NATO and British officials to call for increased production Urgency to support Ukraine against Russian aggression amplifies the need to keep ammunition flowing
Western militaries are facing a shortage of ammunition for Ukraine, as emphasized by NATO and British officials on Tuesday. They appealed to the member nations of the alliance to increase production in order to support Ukraine against Russian aggression. The disclosure of potential ammunition shortages followed the omission of funds for purchasing weapons for Ukraine from a recent stopgap spending bill passed by the US Congress to prevent a shutdown of the federal government.
Fresh doubts about the fate of US aid emerged on Tuesday when Kevin McCarthy, the US House Speaker who had been a strong advocate for supporting Ukraine, was removed from his leadership role by fellow Republicans. These recent developments are concerning for Ukraine, especially as the ongoing conflict with Russia enters its 20th month. It also raises concerns about whether Moscow might perceive itself as capable of outlasting commitments to support from the Western world.
"The West's ammunition stockpile has reached its lowest point," remarked Admiral Rob Bauer of the Netherlands, who serves as the chair of the NATO Military Committee and is NATO's most senior military official. He made this statement during a discussion at the Warsaw Security Forum on Tuesday.
On September 13, in the Donetsk region of Ukraine, a Ukrainian soldier operating a 2S22 Bohdana self-propelled howitzer engages Russian troops.
"We provide weapons systems and ammunition to Ukraine, which is highly beneficial. However, the ammunition is not sourced from fully stocked warehouses. We have initiated the provision from warehouses that are either half-full or depleted in Europe," stated Bauer.
James Heappey, the Minister of State for the Armed Forces of the United Kingdom, echoed the sentiment during the same panel, emphasizing the importance of ongoing aid to Kyiv despite dwindling stockpiles. He also stressed the need for Western countries to enhance their ammunition production capabilities.
"We need to ensure Ukraine remains in the fight not only tonight, but also in the subsequent days," stated Heappey. He emphasized the importance of consistently providing support and replenishing our own reserves.
In the meantime, analysts are cautioning that the United States' "arsenal of democracy" must intensify to prevent any potential setbacks in Ukraine's war effort.
"The delivery of a diverse portfolio of munitions to Ukraine from the United States and its allies falls short of the necessary speed, as emphasized by Thomas Warrick, a nonresident senior fellow at the Atlantic Council, in his recent article."
On September 26, in the Donetsk region of Ukraine, a Ukrainian serviceman stood near a self-propelled howitzer, holding an artillery shell before firing it towards Russian troops.
Warrick noted that Ukraine postponed the launch of their summer offensive in order to acquire additional ammunition and equipment for the front lines. Consequently, Russia capitalized on this delay and fortified their defenses, which significantly impeded Ukrainian progress.
According to Warrick, Ukraine's armed forces have demonstrated flexibility and adaptability. However, it is imperative that they possess an ample supply of ammunition and weaponry.
However, the current events in Washington are casting uncertainty on the availability of supplies and Ukraine's position on the battlefield.
According to a letter written by US Undersecretary of Defense Michael McCord to congressional leadership on Friday, the inability to guarantee prompt procurement and delivery could potentially jeopardize crucial Ukrainian operations to regain more territory or protect against possible future Russian attacks. This letter was written during the negotiation of the spending bill, which ultimately resulted in the elimination of aid for Ukraine.
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"We would need additional funding immediately in order to prevent the delay or reduction of assistance to address Ukraine's pressing needs, which include crucial and urgent requirements for air defense and ammunition. This is especially crucial as Russia is preparing for a winter offensive and persistently bombarding Ukrainian cities," expressed McCord.
According to the Council on Foreign Relations, the United States has provided an astounding $46.6 billion in military aid to Ukraine since the beginning of the war until July 31. Additionally, NATO allies have contributed billions more.
However, military officials admit that ammunition, in particular, is being rapidly depleted on the battlefields of Ukraine. A United States defense official revealed to CNN in July that Ukrainian troops typically unleash anywhere from 2,000 to 3,000 artillery shells daily against Russian forces.
The Pentagon announced in July that it had supplied Ukraine with over 2 million artillery rounds thus far. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin emphasized the intensity of the conflict, pointing out the significant use of artillery by both sides. This has consequently placed a strain on the global supply of artillery munitions.
At the time, Washingtons supplies of NATO standard 155mm artillery rounds were so low that it was decided to supply Ukraine with controversial cluster munitions.
