Belarus has begun transferring military equipment from its active combat units to Russia in response to an urgent request from Moscow.
Struggles to Maintain Supplies
This decision, reported by Tech, underscores the severe equipment shortages faced by the Russian military, particularly in regions like Kursk, where ongoing conflicts have depleted Moscow's resources.
The Russian military’s struggle to maintain adequate supplies has become increasingly apparent. Recent intelligence reports from European sources suggested that Russia might receive hundreds of ballistic missiles from Iran and has already sourced ammunition from North Korea.
Despite these efforts, the support from Belarus marks a critical boost for Russia, which has been struggling with equipment shortages since the onset of the war in Ukraine.
Exhausted Military Stockpiles
Since 2022, Belarus has been a consistent supporter of Russia, supplying ammunition and military equipment from its reserves. However, the current transfer involves active-duty equipment, indicating that Belarus might have exhausted its military stockpiles.
Analysts suggest this move could deplete Belarus’s operational capabilities, as the nation does not manufacture its own armored vehicles, relying heavily on Soviet-era and Russian-made equipment.
The Belarusian government has not disclosed specific details about the quantity or type of equipment being transferred. However, the limited arsenal of Belarus suggests that tanks like the T-72 and BMP-2 infantry fighting vehicles are likely candidates.
These Soviet-era machines, while outdated by modern standards, still hold value in the ongoing conflict due to their durability and firepower.