NEAR CHASIV YAR, Ukraine (Reuters) – Ukrainian forces defending the strategic eastern stronghold of Chasiv Yar say they are still waiting for fresh ammunition after the United States approved a major military aid package, amid intensifying attacks from Russian troops and drones.
Moscow’s army is advancing west of Avdiivka, a city it captured in February. Its troops have reached the outskirts of Chasiv Yar, another major objective.
Oleh Shyriaiev, commander of Ukraine’s 225th Separate Assault Battalion that is fighting near Chasiv Yar, said more artillery shells would help his unit hold their positions.
“I hope we receive artillery shells soon,” he said, speaking in a command post close to the town. He added that munitions supplied by allies had made a significant difference on the battlefield in the past.
“I witnessed events a year ago when Wagner was advancing,” he said, referring to a powerful Russian mercenary force which has since been disbanded. “We received cluster munitions which changed the situation significantly and we managed to successfully counter-attack.”
Cluster munitions are banned by many countries but have been used by both sides in the Ukraine conflict. Kyiv has vowed to use them only to dislodge concentrations of enemy soldiers.
More trained troops and long-range weapons would also help Ukraine defend its territory more effectively, Shyriaiev said.
In conclusion, the urgent need for ammunition faced by Ukrainian forces near besieged Chasiv Yar underscores the gravity of the situation on the front lines. As the conflict escalates, the international community must rally behind Ukrainian troops. They desperately need support to defend their homeland.
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