As the conflict between Russia and Ukraine enters its second year, concerns have been raised about the significant losses suffered by Russian forces in terms of military equipment. Ukraine’s military has released figures showing the staggering depletion of Russia’s artillery systems over the past 24 months of sustained warfare. Depletion of Artillery Stockpiles Russia has lost nearly 10,000 artillery systems since February 2022, with 24 lost in just one day.
This puts Moscow on the brink of a critical shortage of artillery resources. The relentless attritional warfare has placed a heavy emphasis on artillery, exacerbating Russia’s equipment shortages. Impending Milestones: Multiple Launch Rocket Systems Russia has also suffered significant losses in multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS), with 980 lost so far. It is expected that the 1,000 mark will be reached within the next four weeks. The pace of losses suggests that Russia could soon face the loss of its 10,000th artillery system, highlighting the severity of its equipment attrition. Consequences of Equipment Depletion The depletion of Russian artillery stockpiles has significant implications for the ongoing conflict.
Ukraine, seeking to mount a counteroffensive, has faced formidable challenges due to the relentless artillery attacks. The scarcity of ammunition has also impeded Kyiv’s operational capabilities, constraining its efforts to push back against Russian incursions. Ukraine’s Artillery Losses While Russia has suffered significant equipment losses, Ukraine has also experienced heavy casualties in terms of artillery. Moscow claims that Kyiv has lost nearly 8,000 field artillery guns and mortars since the conflict began, although this figure remains unverified.
The toll of artillery warfare highlights the devastating impact of the conflict on both sides. International Support Ukraine has appealed for assistance from its Western allies to replenish its ammunition supplies. NATO countries have pledged to increase the production of artillery rounds and have signed a $1.2 billion contract to refill stockpiles and provide aid to Ukraine. The US Army, in particular, plans to increase its production of 155mm shells to bolster its own reserves and support allied forces.
Reflection on the Anniversary As the conflict enters its 24th month, the approaching milestones in Russian equipment losses serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing toll of warfare on both sides. The second anniversary of the conflict forces a somber reflection on the human and material costs of sustained hostilities, with no immediate end in sight. “
