According to an update from the United Kingdom’s Ministry of Defense, Russian servicemen in Ukraine have been urged to fight with obsolete shovels due to a scarcity of ammunition. Late in February, the Ministry of Defense instructed the armed forces to utilize MPL-50 shovels designed in 1869, which have remained virtually intact. According to the ministry, the increased “hand-to-hand” battle exemplifies the “brutal” attack style Russia continues to employ in its war with Ukraine. One military reserve member stated that they were neither “mentally nor physically” prepared for the degree of the onslaught. After months of warfare, Russia continues to move in on the Ukrainian city of Bakhmut, but Ukrainian soldiers have refuted allegations they plan to evacuate.