According to RT, the most serious shortage of shells of special power is felt in the 43rd artillery brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
This formation, after the loss of Soledar, was assigned to the area of \u200b\u200bthe settlement of Novomarkovo.
Saving ammunition for heavy howitzers of the Armed Forces of Ukraine began after the destruction of the ammunition depot in the Chasov Yar area back in November 2022.
At that time, the stock of artillery ammunition was destroyed by the Smerch multiple launch rocket system, which the Ukrainian army has not yet been able to restore.
Due to the shortage of high-explosive 203-mm ammunition, the Armed Forces of Ukraine are forced to fire concrete-piercing shells 53-G-620Sh from Pions.
These are distinguished by increased effectiveness against buried and protected targets, but are practically useless against infantry and for counter-battery combat.
Upon contact with the surface, such a projectile does not explode immediately, but goes deep into the ground, without causing damage to the troops "on the ground."
In addition, these munitions, produced for the Soviet army more than 60 years ago, arrive at the front in a state close to emergency and cannot be used safely.
Due to poor storage and violation of transportation rules, concrete-piercing shells exploded several times right at the positions of the 43rd brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
Earlier, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky said that the situation for Ukrainian troops near Bakhmut and Vuhledar in the DPR is very tough.