Ukraine had enough resources for 2.5 months of active fighting in February 2022 — Reznikov
The Ukrainian military had enough weapons and ammunition to sustain active combat against invading Russian forces for only 2–2.5 months at the onset of the war, outgoing Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov said in his final report on Sept. 5.
Reznikov's report outlines the ministry’s performance during his 22 months in office. It says that Ukraine's main issue after Feb. 24, 2022, was weaponry. At that time, the resources were sufficient for 2−2.5 months of active warfare; after that, the army would have run out of materiel.
“After February 24, the most crucial issue we had to resolve was weaponry,” said Reznikov.
“According to the estimates of the General Staff, the resources of the Defense Forces would barely have lasted 2−2.5 months of intense battles. Our army would have been physically exhausted. We were getting all that we conceivably and inconceivably could.”
According to the report, over 18 months of the war, Ukraine’s Defense Forces procured, custom-made at the Defense Ministry's request, and received as international technical assistance: more than 7 million artillery shells, landmines, tank shells, and MLRS rockets.
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Besides ammunition, the military got over 4,500 artillery systems and mortars, 3,500 various anti-air systems, 6,500 tanks, armored vehicles, armored personnel carriers, and infantry fighting vehicles.
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In terms of manpower, over 70,000 Ukrainian troops completed training abroad. Currently, Ukrainian pilots, engineers, and technicians are mastering modern Western aircraft, the report adds.
"As of today, Ukraine has received physically or in the form of commitments military assistance totaling approximately $100 billion," Reznikov said.
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"During my term, my team and I have participated in over 160 official international events, not counting numerous engagements for different audiences and informal contacts."
On Sept. 3, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced his decision to replace Reznikov with Rustem Umerov, the current head of the State Property Fund. Ukraine’s parliament is expected to vote on Umerov’s appointment later this week.
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