The troubled Russian military

More than two years into the invasion of Ukraine, the true condition of the Russian military is becoming increasingly clear.

When President Vladimir Putin first sent troops across the border, he likely didn’t anticipate the prolonged conflict that has since unfolded.

Instead of a swift victory, Russia has found itself mired in a drawn-out war, exposing significant weaknesses within its once formidable military. Here’s a closer look at the current condition of Russia’s armed forces and the challenges they face.

Putin’s initial plan for a quick takeover of Ukraine has not gone as expected. Ukrainian forces, with strong international support, have managed to resist and push back against Russian advances, turning what was supposed to be a matter of days into a conflict now spanning over two years. This resilience has forced Russia into a prolonged and costly engagement, revealing cracks in its military’s armour.

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Despite predictions from Western intelligence that it would take years for Russia to bounce back from its initial losses, the country has shown a surprising ability to regain some strength. This recovery has come at a massive financial cost, with Russia dedicating 7% of its GDP to defence in 2024—about $140 billion. Over the next three years, military spending is expected to top $400 billion, reflecting Russia’s determination to sustain its war efforts.

Recruitment Challenges and Heavy Losses

To replenish its forces, Russia has been rapidly increasing its troop numbers. In 2022, 300,000 new soldiers were enlisted, with plans for another 300,000 by mid-2024. However, this rush to bolster ranks comes at a price. Many new recruits are poorly trained and lack the experience of veteran soldiers.

Russia has also employed controversial recruitment methods, including drafting foreign nationals, prisoners, and mercenaries from groups like the Wagner Group. These practices raise serious questions about the long-term effectiveness and morale of these troops.

The war has inflicted heavy losses on Russia’s military. By the end of 2023, nearly 90% of the pre-war troops had been lost, with estimates of 120,000 killed and 200,000 wounded. Equipment losses have been equally severe, with thousands of tanks, infantry fighting vehicles, and artillery pieces destroyed. In response, Russia has reactivated many outdated Soviet-era tanks and artillery pieces, highlighting the desperate need to replenish its arsenal.

Foreign Support and Domestic Production

To address equipment shortages, Russia has turned to international allies such as North Korea, Iran, and China for military supplies. These countries have provided artillery shells, drones, and various components essential for maintaining Russia’s war effort. Domestically, the Russian defence industry is under immense pressure to ramp up production, often relying on stockpiles and refurbishing old equipment.

This approach, while helpful in the short term, raises concerns about the reliability and effectiveness of these military assets.

Russia’s air force remains substantial but has suffered significant losses in 2024, including jets and helicopters. The reliance on Iranian drones for attack missions further underscores gaps in Russia’s domestic capabilities.

Similarly, the Russian navy, despite its size, has faced setbacks, particularly in the Black Sea, where Ukrainian forces have significantly hampered Russian naval operations.

Leadership Changes and Strategic Shifts

The war has prompted notable changes in Russia’s military leadership. High-ranking officials, including Admiral Nikolai Yevmenov and Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu, have been dismissed, reflecting internal dissatisfaction and attempts to revitalise the military command structure.

These leadership changes highlight ongoing challenges and the Kremlin’s struggle to maintain effective military operations.

An Uncertain Future

Despite massive investments and efforts to project strength, the future of the Russian military is uncertain. The focus on rapidly increasing troop numbers and relying on outdated equipment may offer short-term gains but poses significant long-term risks.

Predictions suggest that by 2026, Russia may face severe challenges in maintaining its combat power and effectiveness due to resource depletion and unsustainable practices.

The Russian military, once seen as a global powerhouse, now faces a precarious future. The war in Ukraine has exposed critical vulnerabilities, from heavy human and equipment losses to reliance on foreign support and controversial recruitment practices. While Russia has shown resilience and the capacity for rapid recovery, the long-term sustainability of its military efforts is highly questionable.

As the conflict continues, the true state of the Russian armed forces will likely become more apparent, revealing whether Russia can sustain its aggressive stance or if its military might will ultimately crumble under the weight of its own strategies.

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