Kyiv expects new recruits to appear within two months but Moscow struggles with training and logistical obstacles
Images of drunken conscripts brawling and staggering as they depart for the Russian army suggest Vladimir Putin could have difficulty in creating effective fighting forces for his war in Ukraine through his “partial” mobilisation.
These servicemen would give a significant boost to the Russian troops remaining on the frontline. Moscow deployed 180,000 men to the frontline in February and is estimated to have suffered about 80,000 deaths and injuries since February, according to the US. Ukraine, which has declared full mobilisation, has a total number of troops between 700,000 and 1mn.
“Another option could be assigning this first wave of mobilised troops to less complex tasks away from the front lines in the occupied territories to free up other Russian forces for combat — such tasks could include logistical support ie drivers or ordinance handlers, or manning checkpoints.” “Very low-quality reinforcements soon or a better-trained force later,” said the official, adding that Russia probably also lacked combat veterans it could spare to adequately train the new recruits.
It also lacks training facilities and many of its training personnel are thought to have been assigned to combat operations. Ukraine’s armed forces may try to step up counter-offensive operations this autumn before Moscow can reinforce its defensive lines.
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