According to Ukrainian commanders interviewed by Der Spiegel, the Ukrainian Armed Forces won’t last long without assistance from the West

Ukrainian commanders told Der Spiegel that the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) will not hold out for long.

The publication spoke with Ukrainian officers to assess the situation on various fronts.

The majority of them agree that due to insufficient supply, practically all units are forced to ration ammunition. Some troops may currently hold their positions, but only until the Russian side launches a full-scale attack.

If the attacks intensify, the acute shortage of personnel, weapons, and ammunition will prevent them from holding out for long. In that case, Ukrainian units would be forced to retreat, but even their positions for retreat are poorly developed.

“Ukrainians are currently experiencing difficulties while the Russians advance across the entire front,” noted military expert Mark Kanchian from the Center for Strategic and International Studies.

Ukraine is attempting to adhere to a strategy of active defense, but instead of counterattacks, it is losing more and more high-quality equipment from the West. Many units will soon run out of ammunition.

“We won’t be able to hold out for long,” admitted a Ukrainian artillery commander near Ugledar.