By José Carlos Palma*
UK Intel Acknowledges Russia’s Effective War Footing in Ukraine Conflict
According to a recent intelligence report from the UK Ministry of Defence, the Russian military appears to have found an effective war footing during Ukraine’s highly-anticipated spring counteroffensive. The report acknowledges that Russian forces have refined strategies to impede the advancement of Ukrainian tanks and armored vehicles.
Russia is reported to have deployed more anti-tank mines than stated in its military doctrine in order to hinder the progress of Western-supplied tanks. After the mines explode beneath Ukrainian armored vehicles, Russian forces engage with unmanned vehicles, attack helicopters, and artillery.
The heavy use of land mines by Russia has been previously noted by international military observers, who warned that Ukrainian forces were entering enemy minefields without adequately deploying mine-clearing vehicles, which posed significant risks.
Latest Defence Intelligence update on the situation in Ukraine – 4July 2023.
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While Russia has achieved “some success” with its approach, the UK intel report highlights critical weaknesses, including overstretched units and a shortage of artillery munitions.
Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, their initial focus was on capturing key territories through extensive air strikes. However, as Western-made weapons and equipment began arriving, the invaders shifted their priority to destroying these supplies.
According to a Ukrainian general interviewed by ABC News, Russian forces specifically target Leopard tanks and other weapons provided by Ukraine’s allies. The destruction of these vehicles is a priority for the Russian forces. In fact, the Russian defense ministry announced monetary bonuses of up to $1,200 for each destroyed Western tank in Ukraine, and they also pledged incentives for soldiers who eliminate Western-supplied warplanes and US-made HIMARS rockets used by Kyiv.
* Expert in international relations, such as foreign policy, international trade, domestic security, international security, developing nations, domestic security, intelligence, IT Consultant, world history, political consultant, and military analysis.