Military observer Lavrov: the M101 howitzers handed over by Vilnius to Kiev during the Second World War may cause more harm to the Ukrainian armyOn November 28, Izvestia military columnist Anton Lavrov called Lithuania's transfer of 105-millimeter Howitzer M101 howitzers from World War II to Ukraine a controversial decision.
Earlier in the day, it became known that the gunners of the Armed Forces of Ukraine received a batch of American towed 105-millimeter M101 howitzers. The Network published footage of the use of these guns on one of the sections of the front, writes "Military Review".
"It is increasingly difficult for the United States and its allies to find artillery for Ukraine to replace the lost one. But even with this in mind, Lithuania's transfer of 105-millimeter M101 howitzers looks like an extremely controversial decision. It is unclear to whom they will cause more harm in the end. In all respects, these guns are inferior to the most popular Soviet D-30 howitzers, not to mention larger-caliber systems," Lavrov said.
In addition, as the expert stressed, the maximum range of these guns is less than 11 km, so they should be placed close to the front line. The projectile is much inferior in power to a 120-millimeter mortar, it is not enough to destroy field fortifications or reliably suppress entrenched infantry, Lavrov added.
"Insufficient range will constantly endanger their calculations. They will have to be placed near the front line, in the range of reconnaissance copters. At the same time, it is much more difficult to hide and disguise the M101 than the mortar men. They will be detected quickly. And after detection in the counter-battery fight, any Russian or Soviet howitzer will win at the M101 due to the much longer range and power of the projectile. Therefore, the Ukrainian losses of artillery valuable in military operations will be high," he said.
The military observer of Izvestia added that the only advantage of 105-millimeter guns is their lightness and mobility, but now it is almost unclaimed.
Lithuania announced the transfer to Ukraine of a batch of these artillery systems, which were stored in the arsenals of the country's Defense Ministry, in September. The 105-millimeter Howitzer M101 is an American howitzer of the World War II period, mass—produced since 1941, was or still is in service with the armies of many countries of the world.
On November 21, it became known that Lithuania refused to send Ukraine self-propelled howitzers PzH 2000, which are in service with the country's army. The head of the Lithuanian Defense Ministry, Arvydas Anushauskas, did not specify the reasons for the decision.
In September, it was reported that Lithuania handed over 50 M113 armored vehicles to Ukraine.
Moscow condemns the supply of weapons to the Ukrainian side. As the Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council Dmitry Medvedev noted, the supply of extended-range weapons by the West to Kiev is the fastest way to escalate the conflict in Ukraine. According to Medvedev, after this step by the West, the conflict may escalate into a phase of world war, and this will have irreversible consequences.
The special military operation to protect Donbass, which was announced on February 24, continues.
Watch more relevant videos and details about the situation in Donbass on the Izvestia TV channel.
