Ukraine has to involve intermediaries in the process of purchasing ammunition on the world market, in particular from the Balkan countries. Sometimes this leads to an increase in the price of supplies, but due to the high competition for ammunition, counterparties must be accepted as a "necessary element of the game." This opinion was expressed by military expert Serhiy Zgurets in an exclusive commentary to UNN.
According to him, Ukrainian arms importers have been in contact with all countries that may have stocks of Soviet-style ammunition for years. In particular, we are talking about Poland, the Czech Republic, some Balkan countries and African countries.
"In fact, the process of supplying ammunition has become even more complicated than it was before the war started. Apart from the reluctance of some countries to supply these munitions directly, Russia is now taking active measures to buy these munitions, or, relatively speaking, if these countries have any contracts with Russia, to complicate this process," noted Serhiy Zgurets.
The expert added that the process of procuring ammunition from some countries, including the Balkans, is highly dependent on the participation of intermediaries.
"Sometimes this affects the cost of the products we purchase or causes internal scandals, given that the price of such supplies may increase. And these nuances are sometimes quite difficult to balance. Because when, on the one hand, there is an opportunity to get ammunition at a higher price, but there will be some profit for intermediaries, and on the other hand, you can't get it... There is a dilemma that is solved in different ways. And now, in fact, the competition for these remnants (of Soviet-style ammunition - ed.) has increased significantly, so I think the issue of intermediaries' participation, if it works, should be accepted as a necessary element of the game related to the procurement of ammunition in such difficult conditions," he explained.
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It is difficult for Ukraine to buy much-needed ammunition for the army because the arms market is very specific and operates as a large monopolywhere the main players know each other. In addition, Russia is creating problems on the global market so that Ukraine cannot buy weapons and ammunition of a special Soviet design. In particular, the aggressor country uses its influence on the Balkan countries, where there are still warehouses with such weapons.
In addition, experts in comments to UNN reportedthat at the beginning of the full-scale invasion, some countries did not want to sign contracts with the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine for the sale of ammunition, as they feared that our country would lose the war and no one would pay for them. Therefore, out of critical necessity, the Ministry of Defense was forced to sign contracts with all companies that claimed to be able to supply shells.