The Economist explains

Is Russia running out of ammunition?

Many of its shells are probably older than the conscripts firing them

FILE - In this photo released by the Russian Defense Ministry Press Service on July 22, 2022, Russian soldiers fire a 2S4 Tyulpan self-propelled heavy mortar from their position at an undisclosed location in Ukraine. Six months ago, Russian President Vladimir Putin sent troops into Ukraine starting the largest military conflict in Europe since World War II. (Russian Defense Ministry Press Service via AP, File)
Image: AP

“So let me tell Putin tonight what his own generals and ministers are probably too afraid to say,” declared Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, Britain’s chief of defence staff, on December 14th: “Russia faces a critical shortage of artillery munitions.” Ten days earlier Avril Haines, America’s top intelligence official, had offered a similar judgment. Is Russia running out of shells?

From the December 24th 2022 edition

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