- Russia’s army has grown bigger despite sustaining losses when it invaded Ukraine, says a US general.
- US Army Gen. Christopher Cavoli said the Russian army “is actually now larger — by 15 percent.”
- “Russia is on track to command the largest military on the continent,” Cavoli said.
Also have to consider loss of experience, equipment and morale/exhaustion, along with economic costs on the civilian population.
May be larger, but are they professional forces that are well trained and equipped (for russia) or warm bodies and second tier equipment? What about the losses of experienced non-coms and officers?
At what point does a military cease being fatigued and start being ‘battle hardened’?
I think the most the West expected was to drain Russia of their military capabilities, but they’ve overshot that goal and now Russia has doubled-down on their military production. Absent NATO getting more directly involved, I don’t see how this trend is good news for Ukraine.
When improved performance exceeded losses due to fatigue. Also have to consider if support structures are delivering what the front line needs.
I would argue Russia military capabilities are being drained in every way except manpower.
That’s how they always do it though and it didn’t stop them in the past (to be fair, from invasion though which is a lot different)