Russian forces have made incremental advances in Ukraine but lack the capacity for major offensives due to shortages in munitions and manoeuvre units, according to a senior NATO official.
Speaking ahead of the NATO Defence Ministers meeting in Brussels, the official outlined the challenges facing Russia’s military efforts, despite its ongoing tactical gains.
“Russia continues to make small but steady tactical advances, but they lack the necessary munitions and manoeuvre units for a major offensive,” the NATO official stated.
The official added that for Russia to achieve larger breakthroughs, it would likely require a significant mobilisation of personnel and resources. However, this move could be politically risky for President Vladimir Putin, as it may provoke domestic unrest and weaken his support within Russia.
“Russia would need a significant mobilisation to execute larger offensives, but there are clear political concerns that may prevent this from happening in the near term,” the official explained.
Strategic Limitations
Despite Russia’s numerical advantage in terms of manpower and munitions, its forces have struggled to achieve decisive victories on the battlefield. The NATO official noted that while Russia has relied heavily on massed forces and artillery, it has been unable to capitalise on tactical successes due to logistical constraints and shortages of experienced units.
“Even with slow gains, Russia is unable to follow through with major breakthroughs due to limitations in its manoeuvre units and logistics,” the official remarked.
This assessment highlights the broader challenges facing Russia’s military strategy in Ukraine. While it can continue to sustain operations through gradual gains, its inability to mount a large-scale offensive significantly limits its strategic options and prolongs the conflict.
Not for long if the reports of North Korean troops are in play, this could free up alot of troops from major pushes in other areas
12,000 military personnel, including a special forces unit
On a front with 300,000 active soldiers taking 15,000 casualties a month 12,000 is nothing.
For now but Kim has many more he could send
He will need to feed them first and make sure they don’t defect as soon as they are out of North Korea.
NATO should move in now, if only to act as border guards for areas not in direct conflict. Russia have already broke their own red line of foreign troops.
I agree, also extend air defences out right across all of western Ukraine then start to send “advisors” to assist the Ukrainians. China and Russia did exactly this to us in Korea and we never stared WW3.
Tales of the Blatantly Obvious.