American sniper in Ukraine says his unit prefers Soviet-era rifles because bullets are easier to find and they can take them from the Russians

Sat, 04/20/2024 - 07:45

A view of a sniper in camouflage lying down and looking into his weapon, with his weapon in the foreground — A sniper from the 108th Territorial Defense Brigade of the Ukrainian Army takes aim during military training near the frontline in Ukraine in November 2023.
Ozge Elif Kizil/Anadolu via Getty Images

An American sniper in Ukraine said his unit prefers AK-74 rifles over Western ones.
That's partly because they can get more bullets when they attack a Russian position.
Ammunition and other supplies from the West have dried up, leaving Ukraine running short.

An American veteran fighting in Ukraine said soldiers in his unit prefer to use Soviet-era rifles over modern ones because it's easier to find ammunition, including by taking it from the Russians.

Jonathan Poquette is currently serving as a sniper in Ukraine, and he said that his unit prefers AK-74 rifles, which are chambered for 5.45×39mm rounds.