Separatists say many Ukrainian soldiers surrendered because they ran out of weapons

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 The separatists in eastern Ukraine say that many Ukrainian soldiers have surrendered because they have run out of weapons and ammunition during the fighting.


According to Sputnik news agency, in an interview with Rossiya TV channel 24 on March 28, Eduard Basurin, spokesman for the Armed Forces of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic (DPR) in the separatist Donbass region, eastern Ukraine , said many Ukrainian soldiers had surrendered to the separatists and admitted their arsenals were running low.


"It seems that the supply of ammunition (for Ukraine) is dwindling. I used to say that their supply of weapons is running out."


Earlier, on March 26, Basurin said that the armed forces of the DPR repelled Ukrainian nationalist groups from residential areas in the city of Mariupol. On March 24, a representative of the DPR also announced that five Ukrainian soldiers had deserted, joining the DPR's forces in just one day.


The Ukrainian military has not yet commented on these reports. However, media sources in recent days say that Ukraine is facing a shortage of weapons and ammunition and is completely dependent on Western aid after more than a month of "holding" its forces. Russia while a number of arsenals were destroyed. The UK's Guardian news agency reported that the Ukrainian military is using up anti-tank weapons and man-portable anti-aircraft missiles that are supported by the US and the West. In the early stages of the conflict, these weapons gained attention by disabling many Russian tanks and aircraft.


In his speeches before parliaments as well as in media interviews, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky repeatedly called on the West to increase the supply of military equipment and weapons to the country's army. in the context of Ukraine organizing counter-attacks.


Speaking on March 26, Mr. Zelensky said: "Ukraine only needs 1% of NATO aircraft and 1% of tanks. The weapons that our partners have, but they are just lying in dust. All the weapons. It is not only for the freedom of Ukraine, but also for the freedom of Europe." He affirmed, after receiving these weapons, Kiev will not ask the West for any more aid.


However, so far, the West has only aided small arms such as anti-tank missiles, man-portable anti-aircraft missiles, refusing to provide fighters or tanks to Ukraine. Western officials say that Ukraine needs more air defense systems, while planes and tanks cannot change the battlefield. Moreover, the West is concerned that the supply of these weapons could lead to direct conflict with Russia.


Moscow has repeatedly warned that foreign weapons trucks for Ukraine could become a "legitimate target" of Russian forces. Moscow says the West's supply of weapons is a "dangerous" act that threatens European and global security.

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