A group of soldiers moves quickly through a forest in Donetsk, eastern Ukraine. They have been ordered to attack. The aim is to hit the position of Russian drone pilots, 10-12 kilometers away. BRITISH: The soldiers fire grenades at Russian positions. Ukraine has received the AS-90 self-propelled artillery gun from Great Britain. Photo: kari skeie / news The British artillery cannon is precise and can shoot far, says soldier Oleksandr to news. – We manage to keep the Russian forces away. So far we have what we need. But the situation can change quickly. Russia can now use three times as much artillery ammunition as Ukraine every day, Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umzherov warned in a letter to his EU colleagues last week. GRENADE SHORTAGE: Ukrainians have warned of a desperate need to replenish stocks of the grenades needed to defend the front line against Russia. Photo: The Ukrainian defense The US Department of Defense has also sounded the alarm. Ukraine is running out of ammunition and weapons because US aid has stopped, a spokesman said in late January. The money set aside has been used up, wrote Politico. HIDEOUT: In a secret location in Eastern Ukraine, a small group of soldiers from the 58th Brigade are holding out. Photo: kari skeie / news On the ground in eastern Ukraine, the soldiers are restless. – I am very worried. This help is very important. Our lives depend on it, says soldier Viktor. – It is vital that the US continues its support But on Thursday came the message that can ignite hope for the soldiers in Donetsk. It then became clear that the Senate had finally decided to start work on a support package of 95 billion dollars for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan. The Democrats presented the proposal after a similar proposal, which also contained money for increased security along the border with Mexico, failed on Wednesday. – This is a good first step. This bill is important for our national security, for the security of our friends in Ukraine, in Israel, for humanitarian aid to innocent civilians in Gaza, and for Taiwan, said Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer. Even if the proposal is approved in the Senate, it is still uncertain whether the House of Representatives will give the thumbs up. Uncertainty is particularly linked to those who support former President Donald Trump. SUPPORT: NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg met Republicans in Congress at the end of January, but received no promises of more aid to Ukraine. Photo: NATO NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said on Wednesday that it is “vital” that the US Congress agrees on continued support for Ukraine in the near future. Political game There is a loud bang when the soldiers in the 58th Brigade launch the grenade. The artillery cannon is covered in smoke. The soldiers load another grenade. They know exactly what to do. DRONES: The aim of the attack is to knock out Russian drone pilots. Photo: kari skeie / news Several have been to England to learn how to operate the British artillery cannon. Oleksandr is frustrated that further American aid has turned into what he describes as a political game. LAWYER: Oleksandr has been a soldier since the Russian invasion on February 24, 2022. Then he replaced his lawyer’s suit with a uniform. Photo: kari skeie / news – I believe that when they have invested so much in this war, and in arming our country, they cannot stop halfway. – It has all become a game that sooner or later will end. I hope it ends well, says the soldier. Will fight with spades In Donetsk, the fighting has been going on for almost ten years. In recent weeks, Russian forces have pushed in several places. On Thursday, a large number of Russian forces are said to have stormed the town of Avdijivka in eastern Ukraine, writes the AFP news agency. – Unfortunately, the enemy is pressing in from all directions, there is not a single part of our city that is, so to speak, calm. They storm us with a lot of forces, says mayor Vitalij Barabasj to state media. ATTACK: The town of Avdijivka is located five kilometers from Donetsk city and has been subjected to more than four months of sustained Russian artillery attacks. not a single building in the city shall be intact. Photo: Reuters Also outside Bakhmut, at Chasiv Yar, Russian forces are trying to break through the defensive positions, the Ukrainian defense reports on Thursday. Oleksandr says they will never give up, regardless of what American politicians decide. – If they stop helping our country, we have to use what we have. If necessary, we will fight with spades.
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Ukrainian soldiers in Donetsk are worried about further American support – news Urix – Foreign news and documentaries
