Warning About the Balance of Arms in the Russia-Ukraine Battlefield; American Commander: Without U.S. Assistance, the Situation Will Worsen

As political battles continue in the U.S. Congress, the situation on the battlefield in Ukraine has deteriorated, with the senior U.S. commander in Europe stating that if Congress does not find a way to send ammunition to Kyiv, Ukraine's weaponry will reach only one-tenth of Russia's in the coming weeks. General Christopher Cavoli made this warning on Wednesday, April 11, during testimony before the U.S. House of Representatives, as Congress enters critical weeks of voting on aid for Ukraine. According to the Associated Press, since Congress delayed the approval of its $60 billion supplemental bill, Ukraine has been rationing its ammunition. The Ukrainian army's weaponry is currently estimated to be about one-fifth that of Russia's, meaning the Russians are firing five times more at Ukrainians. General Cavoli stated that the arms gap between the two countries will become ten to one in the coming weeks. Michael Johnson, a Republican House Speaker, is trying to find a way to pass a bill related to funding the production of new ammunition in American companies so that the Pentagon can send more ammunition to Ukraine. Johnson is attempting to bring this bill to a vote in the House but is facing concerns from members who point to domestic needs, including border security. Cavoli noted that the delivery of U.S. 155mm artillery shells to Ukraine has been a significant help during the war, stating that if Ukraine's air defense reserves run out, "Russian attacks will completely paralyze the economy, civil society, and the military of Ukraine." The Associated Press reported that Russia's missile production has increased and it can conduct large-scale attacks in Ukraine every few days; if Kyiv falls, Russia could threaten NATO member neighbors in the Baltic Sea and potentially draw U.S. forces in Europe into a prolonged war. Behind the scenes - Global crisis hotspots Kyiv reported Russian drone attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure. Drone attacks on the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant; the Agency's Board of Governors is holding an emergency meeting. The U.S. allocated an emergency aid package worth $138 million for Ukraine. CENTCOM: We sent seized weapons from the IRGC to Ukraine. Republican shift on the Ukraine aid bill; the British Foreign Secretary is coming to the U.S. for consultations. Russian missile and drone attacks on Ukraine: 8 killed and 12 injured. A Russian missile attack on the city of Kharkiv in Ukraine left 6 dead and 11 injured. Ukraine: Establishing a NATO financial assistance fund is not possible without "mandatory participation" from members.