An American Sniper in Ukraine Emphasizes Need for More Ammo, Not Tanks

An American Fighting for Ukraine

An American veteran actively engaged in combat in Ukraine has revealed that his unit shows a preference for Soviet-era AK-74 rifles over contemporary Western models due to the easier accessibility of ammunition, often sourced from Russian forces.

Jonathan Poquette, who serves as a sniper in Ukraine, explained that his unit favors the AK-74, which uses 5.45×39mm cartridges because both Ukrainian and Russian forces commonly use this ammunition.

Poquette noted that:

“Our unit specifically opts for the AK-74 because it’s widely available among Ukrainian and Russian troops.”

He further mentioned that these bullets are frequently found at Ukrainian military sites since many Ukrainian soldiers are equipped with this type of rifle. Given Ukraine’s historical ties with Soviet weaponry, these older models are prevalent throughout the country.

Poquette highlighted the tactical advantage of using Russian ammunition:

“If you raid a Russian position needing to replenish supplies, you’re likely to find 5.45 ammo there.”

Wounded in Action

Poquette is part of the Chosen Company within the Ukrainian Army‘s 59th Motorized Brigade, which undertakes reconnaissance and combat missions. After being injured in January, he has been recovering and training in Kyiv.

He criticized the integration of Western-donated weapons, often incompatible with the prevalent ammunition types in Ukraine. “The West has supplied many rifles that use the 5.56 NATO standard round, but the distribution of these weapons across the Ukrainian military has been poorly managed,” he stated.

Due to these logistical challenges, the reliance on Soviet-era weapons like the AK-74, introduced in the 1970s and modernized in the 1990s as the AK-74M, remains high.

The narrative extends to the broader issue of ammunition scarcity in Ukraine, which has become critical. Despite recent American efforts to supply arms and ammunition, including a significant shipment of rounds seized from Iranian smugglers, these are seen as temporary solutions.

The situation is worsened by a six-month halt in additional U.S. aid, influenced by political standoffs, despite the potential economic benefits to American defense manufacturers.

Severe Shortages

Ukrainian forces face severe limitations, occasionally running out of ammunition completely, which hampers their ability to engage Russian troops effectively. Due to these shortages, sharing ammunition among Ukrainian units when changing positions has become a common practice.

Poquette underscored the dire need for more substantial support in artillery and ammunition rather than advanced equipment like tanks. “What can one tank do compared to the impact of 50,000 artillery shells or 5,000 mortar rounds?” he questioned, emphasizing the critical nature of sufficient ammunition supplies.

Efforts in Europe to bolster Ukraine’s ammunition reserves continue, with the Czech Republic spearheading initiatives to secure additional rounds from non-EU sources, promising imminent deliveries to the frontline.

This situation underscores the strategic and logistical challenges faced by Ukrainian forces, relying heavily on ammunition and weaponry compatibility to maintain their defensive and offensive capabilities against the ongoing Russian aggression.