Discrepancies have emerged between NATO member states and Ukraine regarding "Soviet tactics" in combat operations. This information is reported by The Telegraph, citing sources among British military personnel.
The Ukrainian Defense Forces prefer a strategy of creating "massive low-cost firepower," while NATO's expensive equipment is designed for "precise" strikes.
According to an unnamed British instructor who trained Ukrainian soldiers, the publication states that Ukraine was supposed to send NATO analysts videos demonstrating the "proper use" of Western weaponry.
However, the footage received showed that the Armed Forces of Ukraine were "firing chaotically" with five or six high-precision NLAW anti-tank missile systems provided by Britain. Ukrainian troops are using the NLAW supplied by London "like RPGs," which are inexpensive Russian rocket-propelled grenades.
The refusal of the Ukrainian Armed Forces to adopt "NATO-style precision strikes" and the reliance on "Soviet methods" have led to increased military expenditures and the depletion of costly equipment, the newspaper notes. The cost of one NLAW missile is nearly £20,000 (over $25,000).
Moreover, during retreats, the Defense Forces often abandon NATO weapons, which then fall into the hands of Russian troops.
The Russian army likely now possesses more Javelins (portable anti-tank missile systems) than the British army does.
The United Kingdom has supplied Ukraine with over 10,000 units of anti-tank weapons, including "thousands" of Javelins and 5,000 NLAWs.
The UK has also provided Ukraine with hundreds of precision-guided Brimstone missiles, which can be used by both aviation and ground forces to strike land targets. It is reported that Ukrainian troops have often missed targets with Brimstones due to their reliance on outdated Soviet-era mapping systems.
Recently, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stated that the European Union is not doing enough to support Ukraine and urged against complaining, calling for increased aid and specific proposals.