Impact of Ukrainian Long-Range Strikes on Russian Artillery Fire Rates

Ukrainian long-range strikes have cut Russian artillery shelling by nearly half. As a result, daily Russian fire decreased from about 40,000 to roughly 23,000 rounds. However, this figure has slightly increased to around 27,000-28,000 due to potential foreign support and production enhancements. Ukraine faces ongoing ammunition shortages and continues to fend off Russian offensives in eastern regions.

Long-range strikes by Ukraine on Russian ammunition stockpiles have significantly reduced the artillery shell fire rate from Moscow. As reported by Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi, these operations diminished the daily firing rate of Russian forces from approximately 40,000 rounds to around 23,000. The Ukrainian military has implemented multiple drone strikes targeting these ammunition depots both inside Russia and in occupied Ukrainian regions throughout 2024.

Syrskyi stated that Ukraine is further enhancing its capabilities for long-range operations, which have now reached over 1,700 kilometers. Additionally, the nation is increasing its unmanned operational aspects. However, despite a reduction, Russia’s daily artillery fire has slightly increased to between 27,000 and 28,000 rounds.

This slight rebound in fire rate is attributed to potential shell supplies from allies of Russia, such as North Korea or Iran, or the enhancement of Russian production capabilities. Meanwhile, the ammunition shortages faced by Ukraine have been exacerbated by failed commitments from the EU to produce artillery shells and political disputes in Washington delaying a significant aid package.

Reports indicate that as of late December, Russia’s artillery advantage against Ukraine diminished to only 1.5 rounds for each Ukrainian shell. Despite Ukraine’s improvements in ammunition capacity, Russian forces continue their offensive operations against Ukrainian territories, notably in Kharkiv and Sumy oblasts.

Ukrainian long-range strikes have effectively halved Russian artillery shelling rates. Continuous improvements in UAV operations and deep strike capabilities are being made. Although Russia’s shelling has increased slightly lately due to possible external supplies or enhanced production, Ukraine is striving to close the ammunition gap amid ongoing challenges. Political and logistical issues continue to affect Ukraine’s ability to sustain its ammunition production.

Original Source: kyivindependent.com