Ukraine is in need of more ammunition to fight the war against Russia, a member of the country’s 109th territorial defense brigade, Yehor Firsov, said on Friday night.
“Of course, we need shells, shells, and, once again, shells. Because, frankly speaking, there are situations when there are not enough shells. Weapons are the first thing we need at the frontline,” Firsov told a Ukrainian national telethon.
Firsov, a former member of parliament who is now serving on the front lines, said there have been logistical improvements since the early days of Russia’s invasion, but they could always use more hardware.
“Of course, we would all like more hardware because it covers infantrymen. Don’t get me wrong – if there is no artillery or tanks are not working and they are not covering the infantry, it is very, very difficult for the infantry. So the more hardware we have, the better,” Firsov said.
On Saturday at the Munich Security Council, the leaders of various allies of Ukraine, including the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen and British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, urged others to ramp up support for Ukraine, including ammunition production.
Firsov also addressed the impact of fatigue on the front lines.
Asked about his assessment of the current state of the way, Firsov described it as “always tense,” saying that the momentum seems to change in waves.
“In recent months, there has been an enemy offensive here. It happens in waves. In some places, the enemy is making significant aggressive actions and infantry attacks. In some places, they ease their pressure a little. But there are constant enemy attacks using everything possible – MLRS, tanks, mortars. All this is constant. Every day, sometimes even every hour,” he said, adding that such occurrences take a psychological toll on his fellow soldiers.
“Many fighters have some psychological fatigue. It is unavoidable – you perform your function 24/7. Fatigue accumulates,” the soldier said.