Russia Uses Nazi-Era Arms In Ukraine Amid Shrinking Stockpiles: Report
Russia has reportedly started using Nazi-era weapons in its four-year-long war on Ukraine, as its military stockpiles dwindle and the Kremlin scrambles to rearm its forces.
- Date & Time:
- |
- Views: 29
- |
- From: India News Bull
As Russia's military reserves diminish in its prolonged four-year conflict with Ukraine, Moscow has reportedly begun utilizing weapons dating back to the Nazi era. Ukraine's "Tur" reconnaissance unit recently uncovered Nazi detonators in a Russian storage facility, identifiable by their cone shape, swastika markings, and 1934 date stamps.
"Nazi weapons continue to be employed in lethal operations today," stated the reconnaissance unit, according to The NY Post. "Though the Hitler and Stalin regimes have vanished, they've been succeeded by Putin's administration; the names have changed, but the fundamental nature remains identical."
Ukrainian Major Oleh Shyriaiev confirmed to The NYP on Wednesday that Russia's use of antiquated weaponry has become a pattern. "We have repeatedly observed Russia deploying equipment from the World War II period," he explained.
This finding highlights Russia's historical connections to Nazi Germany during World War II. The Soviet Union invaded Poland on September 17, 1939, after it had been weakened by German attacks.
Agreements between the USSR and Germany in 1939 and 1940 gave the Soviets military equipment, including detonators with swastikas. Ukrainian authorities say the found devices have been stored in Russian depots since then.
Shyriaiev noted that Russian forces have been using Mosin-Nagant bolt-action rifles taken from military museums in current combat zones. Developed in the late 19th century, the Mosin rifle predates the AK-47 by two generations, making it "notably outdated by modern standards."
US Special Presidential Envoy Keith remarked, "[Russia is] extracting tanks from storage facilities and museums to deploy on the battlefield. They cannot execute large-scale maneuvers because Ukrainian forces will neutralize them. The Ukrainians are fighting with remarkable courage."
Shyriaiev added that Russia has also adapted World War II naval artillery onto lightly armored trailers and attempted to modernize older infantry fighting vehicles from storage. Intelligence reports confirm that North Korea has been providing ammunition to Russia as supplies dwindle.