Ukrainian artillery is losing to Russian artillery – Business Insider

Ukrainian artillery is currently losing to Russian forces, with Russia producing artillery at a faster rate than Ukraine can destroy it.

This information reported according to a report from the German outlet “Business Insider”.

The publication highlights that for centuries, the key to victory on the battlefield has been the ability to disable the enemy’s artillery. During World War I and World War II, artillery made up about 60% of the total armament. Russian artillery is responsible for 70% of the losses suffered by the Ukrainian Armed Forces (UAF), which are estimated to be in the hundreds of thousands of soldiers. While Ukraine claims to have destroyed over 10,000 Russian artillery pieces, Russia still has 4,780 artillery guns and 1,130 multiple rocket launcher systems stationed in Ukraine.

According to the article, Ukraine lacks the firepower necessary to effectively counter Russia’s artillery dominance. In response, Western and Ukrainian experts are suggesting disrupting Russia’s artillery production. Russia relies on imported machinery and raw materials for the production of artillery barrels and ammunition. Countries like China and others re-export Western tools to Russia, circumventing sanctions.

Russia imports 55% of its chromium and a significant portion of cotton cellulose, both crucial for artillery production. Kazakhstan, for example, has reduced its exports of cotton cellulose to Russia after sanctions were introduced, redirecting supplies for NATO ammunition production.

The article notes that sanctions targeting supply chain links are effective but require a coordinated approach. The author argues that targeted sanctions may be a more effective strategy than attempting to destroy Russian artillery directly in combat. However, sanctions could also drive Russia to find new ways to bypass these measures.

At present, Russia holds a clear artillery advantage, firing around 10,000 shells daily compared to Ukraine’s less than 1,800 due to a shortage of ammunition. This artillery superiority allows Russian forces to make advances, particularly in the Donetsk region.