Vladimir Putin ramps up frontline weapons in major blow for Ukraine as it loses more ground

Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu has ordered an increase in the production and delivery of weapons for Russia's ongoing "military operation" in Ukraine, dealing a significant blow to Ukraine as it continues to lose ground . This move was announced by the Russian defence ministry on Wednesday (May 1), as Moscow seeks to sustain its offensive in Ukraine.

With daily tactical advances, particularly in the southeastern region of Ukraine, Russia now controls just under a fifth of Ukraine's territory, most of which was seized during the first few months of the war that began in February 2022. During a meeting with top military commanders overseeing the operation in Ukraine, the chief of the general staff, Valery Gerasimov, delivered a report to Shoigu.

The minister emphasised the importance of maintaining the momentum of the offensive by increasing the supply of weapons and military equipment. Shoigu stated: "To maintain the required pace of the offensive ... it is necessary to increase the volume and quality of weapons and military equipment supplied to the troops, primarily weapons."

• Vladimir Putin parades captured US tanks and British armored vehicles from Ukraine war
• Terrifying map shows how nuclear strike would wipe out US cities amid WW3 fears

Russian forces have made several tactical advances in recent weeks, gaining ground in the Donetsk region and consolidating their positions in the Kharkiv region.

The Russian Defence Ministry also claimed that its forces had taken the village of Semenivka, further highlighting Russia's steady advance, reports the Express .

Ukraine's top military man, Colonel General Oleksandr Syrskyi, has starkly highlighted the dire consequences of Western aid not arriving promptly. He confirmed that Ukraine forces had retreated from villages near Avdiivka, an important eastern location previously taken by Russia.

This sentiment was echoed by NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg, who acknowledged during a press conference in Kyiv, with Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky, that delays in providing promised military support have given Russia an upper hand on the battlefield. "Serious delays in support have meant serious consequences on the battlefield," emphasised Stoltenberg, pointing out that insufficient ammunition supply and ineffective air defence systems have allowed Russian forces to progress on the battleground with Russian missiles finding their targets.

Moreover, the lack of deep-strike capabilities has made it easier for Russian forces to concentrate their power. Although the West has committed to support Ukraine "for as long as it takes," the reality of late military aid affects Ukraine's ability to protect its lands.

Political differences in Washington delayed US military help by six months, and Europe's military output hasn't kept up with demand. Meanwhile, Ukraine's production of heavy weaponry is finally gaining speed.

President Zelensky did admit that new Western supplies were arriving but emphasized the urgency of the situation: "This process must be speeded up," he remarked. Despite a largely stagnant 1,000-kilometre (600-mile) front line since the beginning of the conflict, Russian forces keep registering gradual progress.

Their significant power and numbers contribute to their advance, particularly in the Donetsk region.

For the latest local news and features on Irish America, visit our homepage here .