A picture taken on July 13, 2022 shows an Ukrainian infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) destroyed by airstrikes, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Ukraine is now relying more on smoke-belching DIY combat vehicles. For some people, this is just the Ukrainian military showing its creativity to fend off Russian enemies.
But, for other experts, using DIY tanks and other warfare vehicles just shows how desperate Ukraine is in the ongoing Russian invasion.
Ukraine Relies on Smoke-Belching DIY Combat Vehicles
According to Forbes' latest report, Ukraine is still experiencing a shortage of infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs). In 2022, Ukraine used over 1,200 IFVs, which are mostly ex-Soviet BMP-1s.
Just 21 months after the Russian invasion, Russia's troops already captured and destroyed almost 700 of these IFVs. Because of this, Kyiv has to be resourceful.
One of their efforts is pulling hundreds of old BMPs out of storage and asking for Ukraine's foreign allies to pledge around 3,000 IFVs, as well as less-well-armed armored personnel carriers.
However, 3,000 combat vehicles are not enough, especially since Ukraine's troops already doubled over the past two years. Because of this, the Ukrainian military is left with no choice but to rely on DIY IFVs, which are mostly spewing toxic smoke.
Military experts said that Ukraine is mixing and matching whatever chassis and turrets they have to invent DIY IFVs.
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Dangers of DIY Combat Vehicles
Smoke rises from a Russian tank destroyed by the Ukrainian forces on the side of a road in Lugansk region on February 26, 2022. - Russia on February 26 ordered its troops to advance in Ukraine "from all directions" as the Ukrainian capital Kyiv imposed a blanket curfew and officials reported 198 civilian deaths.
Using DIY IFVs and other warfare combat vehicles has more negative outcomes than benefits. For example, the smoke that these DIY combat vehicles spew out can endanger the health of Ukranian troops.
Just imagine using these DIY combat vehicles and getting exposed to the toxic smoke for too long. Another issue with DIY IFVs is that the smoke they emmit can give out the locations of Ukranian soldiers.
But, as Ukraine runs out of military supplies, they need to deal with DIY combat vehicles until they can receive further financial and weapons assistance from allied countries.
Biden Still Trying to Provide Ukraine Aid
CNN Politics reported that U.S. President Joe Biden is still trying to find other ways how to keep the financial and military aid flowing to Ukraine.
Senior Biden Admin officials said that there are only a few weeks remaining before a lack of additional funding for Ukraine begins.
Although this is the case, Biden is still hopeful that members of the House and Senate will support him in his goal to assist Ukraine in the ongoing Russian invasion.
"I know there are a majority of members of the House and Senate in both parties who have said that they support funding Ukraine," said the American leader.
Related Article: Biden Calls for Continuous Support for Ukraine After Congress Drops Request To Include Aid in Bill's Passing
