Russian Military Struggles to Conduct Division-Level Operations
Despite constant pressure and daily attacks, the Russian military has yet to execute any division-level operations throughout the course of the war. Military expert and retired Colonel of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Petro Chernyk, highlighted this in an interview with ArmyInform, acknowledging that while the invaders have managed to reclaim approximately 500 square kilometers of territory over the past month, this is painful but not catastrophic for Ukraine, reports 24brussels.
Regarding the situation in Zaporizhzhia, Chernyk advises caution in assuming an imminent threat from occupying forces. “Zaporizhzhia is currently not at risk of invasion. It is a very large city. For comparison, the Russians took Bakhmut over a span of around 10 months, with the battle lasting from August 2022 to the end of May 2023. Bakhmut is a small city with a population of 70,000. In Zaporizhzhia, which is heavily fortified, the invaders would need to concentrate at least two army corps — a minimum of 80,000 soldiers, potentially 150,000. Given the rate at which Ukrainian Defense Forces are destroying Russian troops, there are significant doubts about the enemy’s chances,” he stated.
According to the expert, Russia mobilizes approximately 30,000 to 45,000 individuals every month, with an overall mobilization potential estimated between 1.5 to 3 million men. The primary tactic remains unchanged — “meat assaults,” where poorly prepared draftees are thrown into battle without adequate support.
“Their philosophy is simple: an automatic rifle, two grenades, a shovel — and forward into death. And people go and die. This is a worldview we actually underestimated at the beginning of the war. We thought that massive losses would change something, make them rethink their approach. It hasn’t changed,” Chernyk emphasized.
The expert notes that while Russian society is incapable of a grassroots uprising, general social discontent is increasing. Moreover, internal struggles within the Kremlin are intensifying. These hidden processes could play a crucial role in the future of Russia — potentially altering its political course.
Earlier, General Commander of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Oleksandr Syrskyi, reported that Russia plans to form 10 new divisions by the end of the year, with two already established. He noted that improvements in drone management systems have led to a marked increase in the effectiveness of destroying Russian military assets, enhancing support for infantry on the battlefield.
