Russian President Vladimir Putin has spoken on what many assume is the start of Ukraine’s widely anticipated counteroffensive, claiming that his army lacks modern weapons. As Kremlin authorities and other media claimed that Ukraine had initiated a counteroffensive against Russia, Kyiv stayed mute, with officials recently stating that offensive attacks do not mark the commencement of a military operation.
“We can state with absolute certainty that this Ukrainian counteroffensive has begun, and the use of strategic reserves points to it,” Vladimir Putin stated during a news conference in Sochi, according to Russian official media outlet RT.
According to the source, Putin “acknowledged that Moscow’s troops are facing shortages of modern weapons and expressed hope that the country’s military industry will soon be able to meet growing demand.” However, the Russian leader did not provide any further details regarding the new weapons he believes the country lacks.
Experts have already warned that Vladimir Putin may soon run out of armaments, and several stories have stated that his military has resorted to withdrawing obsolete tanks from storage owing to high losses of armoured vehicles in Ukraine.
According to Guy McCardle, managing editor of Special Operations Forces Report (SOFREP), “it is out of character for Putin to admit” that Russia lacks contemporary weaponry.
“Specifically, they are running low on main battle tanks and ballistic missiles.” This is proven by the widespread use of glider bombs nowadays. They still have cruise missiles, but they are exceedingly costly and cannot be fired at will. This is due to international restrictions that influence the components required to manufacture the armaments,” he said.
“The Ukrainian troops did not achieve their goals and objectives in any of the areas of hostilities,” Vladimir Putin stated, according to Tass, adding that it is unknown “whether the [Ukrainian] offensive has bogged down or not.”
