Experts: Putin is running out of weapons needed in the Ukraine war

Created: 01/01/2023 12:22 p.m

By: Jan-Frederik Wendt

Ukrainian soldiers fire a French CAESAR self-propelled howitzer at Russian positions.

© dpa

Russia's arsenal of weapons is dwindling.

Experts are convinced of this.

There are several signs.

Moscow - According to Mark Hertling, former US general, Vladimir Putin is running out of weapons in the Ukraine conflict.

In a

interview, the expert explained that given dwindling stocks of arms and ammunition, the Russian president is keen to develop ties with countries like Iran and China.

"The truth is that Russia is trying to find partners in different countries that have different types of ammunition that they can use to supply this war," Hertling said.

"And I think Putin is realizing he's quickly running out of the ammunition he needs to continue this fight."

Iran remains Russia's most important ally in the Ukraine war

Nevertheless, according to Hertling, China will not provide any military aid to Russia, which is also due to Russia's increasingly poor image in the world.

“Certainly, Mr. Putin is trying to cement his partnership with President Xi.

But I think President Xi realized long ago that this mission makes Russia and Mr. Putin a pariah on the world stage," Hertling said.

“In the official statement you promised cooperation, political cooperation.

But as you saw, Mr. Putin pushed a little bit and said: hey, we want military cooperation”.

Hertling is certain "that there was an attempt to exchange energy sources for ammunition or military equipment from China".

However, Putin has little chance of success.

"Putin is seen as the weaker of the two partners in this new China-Russia relationship," Hertling commented.

Iran remains Russia's most important ally in the Ukraine war.

Expert sees dwindling Russian weapons inventories

According to Rajan Menon, an expert on Russian military affairs at think tank Defense Priorities, there are several indications that Russia's arms stockpiles are "rapidly being depleted".

In a war "Moscow didn't expect to last long," Menon tells

.

As reasons for his statement, the expert cites, among other things, that Russia is increasingly using Iranian drones and is holding talks with Tehran about missile purchases.

Vladimir Putin: The political career of the Russian head of state in pictures

View photo gallery

“It remains to be seen how quickly the new production can be ramped up.

One indication of the depth of the Russian problem will be whether it can maintain the frequency and intensity of its attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure and other city targets," Menon said.

(Jan Wendt)