Ukraine now dependent on arms from allies after exhausting Soviet-era weaponry
- Before the war, much of Ukraine’s weaponry was Soviet and Russian-standard equipment
- Kyiv’s forces are now using, or learning to use, arms from the US and European Nato allies
Ukraine has depleted its Soviet and Russian-designed weaponry and is now completely dependent on allies for arms to defend against Russia’s invasion, US military sources say.
Once part of the Soviet Union, Ukraine’s army and its defence industry were built around Soviet and Russian-standard equipment, small arms, tanks, howitzers and other weapons not interchangeable with those of neighbours to the west.
More than three months into the conflict sparked when Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, that equipment has been used up or destroyed in battle, the US sources said.
Now, Kyiv’s forces are using, or learning to use, arms wielded by the United States and European Nato allies.
Early in the war, the West was cautious about supplying much to Kyiv, worried that doing so risked bringing about a Nato vs Russia conflict.
They also feared their advanced weapons technology would fall into Russia’s hands.