As Kyiv’s Counteroffensive Draws Near, Both Sides Rationing Shells

The artillery units on both the Russian and Ukrainian sides of the border are slowing their firing rates despite sustained duels. This is reportedly being done to save and conserve ammunition for the expected Ukrainian counteroffensive, which is long-awaited.

The Ukrainian artillery crews are reportedly rationing shells, according to the frontline report from The Washington Post. It is stating that the 152 mm howitzers used to fire between 20 to 30 shells per day, which has dwindled down to just fewer than three shells.

According to an anonymous Ukrainian military official, NATO 155mm caliber guns are facing less of a shortage than the Warsaw Pact-era guns. Consequently, Ukraine is still firing 7,700 shells a day. Nevertheless, Russia is reportedly shelling far more. This significant artillery consumption is an issue for NATO since Western production lines are struggling to keep supplies moving.

Worryingly the Institute for the Study of War noted that concern from Russian milbloggers has only grown in the days since a number of classified intelligence reports on Ukraine’s war efforts were leaked.

The latest signs show that both Ukraine and Russia are looking ahead to the next major engagement, and it also further indicates Moscow wants to be more prepared than it was during its rout outside Kharkiv in September.

The rest of the article is about the latest events taking place in Ukraine, including the ongoing fight in Bakhmut, supply routes, reports of Ukraine’s SAM missile stocks running low, drone competitions, tank battles, and the refurbishment of Ukrainian T-64 tanks.