Kiev struggling against Russian air, ground superiority: US DoD agency
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Pentagon's Inspector General agency says that Ukraine's armed forces not in a position to launch a "large-scale" offensive for at least six months.
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Gunners from the 43rd Separate Mechanized Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine next to a 155 mm self-propelled howitzer 2C22 "Bohdana", in the Kharkiv region, on April 21, 2024 (AFP)
The Department of Defense Office of the Inspector General (OIG) cautioned in its quarterly report that Ukraine is facing significant challenges in countering Russia's superior air and ground forces due to a shortage of necessary capacity and munitions and is subsequently suffering heavy losses.
"The UAF [Ukrainian Armed Forces] continued to suffer heavy attrition rates and lack sufficient capabilities and munitions—particularly artillery, air defense, and long-range strike capabilities—to overcome Russia’s air and ground advantages," the OIG report published on Thursday read.
Read more: White House rings alarm bells, Ukrainian munitions getting exhausted
Even with the recent arrival of US supplies of munitions starting in June, Kiev remains at a significant disadvantage and will find it difficult to match Russia's high daily fire rate, which involves the use of approximately 10,000 artillery rounds each day, the report added.
Ukraine will not be in a position to launch a large-scale offensive operation for at least six months, despite receiving these munitions, OIG concluded.
Read more: Moscow’s new strategies for defeating western precision ammo: WSJ
The Ukrainian armed forces launched on August 6 a large-scale incursion into Russia's Kursk border region, capturing dozens of areas.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky claimed on Wednesday that the armed forces had "advanced well" in Kursk.
Meanwhile, the British Ministry of Defense announced that Ukraine has been authorized to use UK-supplied weapons in its offensive inside Russian territories. However, the use of Storm Shadow missiles will be restricted for now to within Ukraine's internationally recognized borders, as defined by London.
Read more: Ukraine suffering massive losses in Kursk offensive, Russia says
