Soldiers walk amid destroyed Russian tanks in Bucha, in the outskirts of Kyiv, Ukraine, April 3. (Rodrigo Abd/AP)
“The United States has determined that Russia is suffering “severe manpower shortages” in its six-month-old war with Ukraine and has become more desperate in its efforts to find new troops to send to the front lines, according to a new American intelligence finding disclosed Wednesday.
Russia is looking to address the shortage of troops in part by compelling soldiers wounded earlier in the war to return to combat, recruiting personnel from private security companies and even recruiting from prisons, according to a U.S. official who spoke to the AP on the condition of anonymity to discuss the downgraded intelligence finding.
The official added that the intelligence community has determined that one step that Russia’s Defense Ministry is expected to take soon is recruiting convicted criminals to enlist “in exchange for pardons and financial compensation.””
Comment: I think this is right. Russia’s’ army is a bit of a sham and could collapse unexpectedly and take Putin with it in the flood of disaster.
https://www.newsmax.com/newsfront/russia-ukraine-war/2022/08/31/id/1085461/
https://www.thesgnl.com/2022/05/putin-ukraine-russia-anatol-lieven/
Fascinating discussion. IMO, while fears of Ukraine being a western military outpost played a role in Putin’s decision to invade Ukraine, a bigger factor was his perception of the Russian role in world affairs and demonstrating military strength to subjugate territory that “rightfully” belongs to Russia in his eyes.
Now the onus is on him to demonstrate that military strength. So far at least Ukraine with western assistance is giving him an unexpectedly strong fight. Now the next questions are European resolve over the winter as they were not prepared and the strength of both the Russian and Ukrainian military to remain standing in the months ahead. Whatever the outcome the world will not perceive Russian military strength the same as before the invasion.
Wouldn’t it be worthwhile to ask a bunch of Ukrainians how they feel? Do they feel “ok” being Russia’s “little brothers”? Do the like being subordinate to Russia? Do Ukrainians believe that place the world calls Ukraine “rightfully” belongs to Russia? Or do they long for independence and dignity of a sovereign nation. Who knows, you gotta ask them; right.
Col. Lang, I agree. This is an “existential war” for Putin as well as his vision for Russia.
It is also an existential war for NATO.
What currently concerns me is the ability of British and European Governments to sustain support for the war.
Walrus,
Did you see the German foreign minister’s comments this morning?
“If I give the promise to people in Ukraine – ‘We stand with you, as long as you need us’ – then I want to deliver. No matter what my German voters think, but I want to deliver to the people of Ukraine,” Baerbock said at one point.
https://www.rt.com/news/561934-baerbock-ukraine-voters-sanctions/
While you are at it listen to Biden’s hate filled campaign speech from tonight. Election is 8 weeks away, rally to the uniter in chief.
Not a speech an American gives to America. His phoniness has his people all through the government including the military and still, he and the rest are not sitting easy. One would think they should be quite self satisfied but they aren’t.
Fred
The speech was one thing, but what hit me was the choice of theatrical effects to accompany it: Blood red lighting, ominous shadows and silhouetted military figures in the background. The overall message was unmistakable; the Party is in control and woe betide anyone who challenges us. It reminded me very much of the scene in the cult dystopian movie V for Vendetta in which High Chancellor Adam Sutler is shown giving a speech. ZeroHedge and others noticed the parallel too.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NBtiKap_-b4&t=60s
Barbara Ann,
Yes, and the sophistry to make a binary choice: Democracy! (democrat) Good; Maga, evil. Whatever you do, don’t think like George Laktoff:
Don’t think the economy, stupid.
$2 gas? That was the MAGA economy.
Baby formula in every store? That was the MAGA economy.
Wages rising? That was the MAGA economy.
Companies hiring? That was the MAGA economy.
Biden’s got’m firing. Take that 3,000 laid off Ford employees; Take that Spotify, SNAP, Wayfare. Bye Bye Bed Bath and Beyond.
This ain’t the MAGA economy any more. This is dark Brandon, and don’t you dare ever take on career politicians again, or else.
BA the theatrics were no accident. The message IS the party is in control. If you fight it you will be visited at 4AM by 20 armed thugs from the FIB. The media will coincidentally be there to film your arrest and show it on TV that night. The better to intimidate others. They will incarcerate you while the DOIJ concocts charges which will be supported by the propaganda press. Your disloyalty to the party was picked up by CDIA intercepts and so the thing is done. The Republic is over, and you will accept the heel of the state or be “changed”. Yes, it is happening b/f our very eyes. The Ostriches among us deny it, as Ostriches are want to do, but look it is right there w/o any attempt to disguise.
walrus; this is an existential war for NATO but not b/c of the obvious “attack one attack all” clause. But b/c this war pull’s the wool from every one’s eyes regarding NATO. Its a fake. It no longer has a raison d’etre. It s/h been disbanded along w/WARSAW Pact. Montenegro is not going to turn the tide for NATO, nor is Denmark, Latvia, or Hungry. For that matter, it won’t be long b/f you can add not so great Britain to their category. How many divisions of well trained and equipped infantry can the Germans and French put into the field?? NATO was always an American and Brit show until about 1975 when Britain went socialists. Then the U.S. was left holding the bag. Trump had the guts to say that out loud and look where it got him. Today we have a nation fighting desperately to be free of an oppressor and most of Europe doesn’t give a ship. The Finns, Balts, Poles, and Slovaks understand that roasted chicken Kiev tomorrow will be followed by a course of pieroghis served w/cold piwa and a sniffer of slivovitz but western Europe doesn’t care one bit. The same American money, materials, and God I hope not men, are being tasked to arm and fund the lion’s share of Ukraine’s fight for independence. What we all should have always known was America c/n do it alone. I am 1000% for Ukraine but I can’t see how they can outlast Russia w/o real European help. Should I tell my Ukie friends not to hold their breath?
Looks like a Logistics Problem For Russia..All Those Littered and Damaged roads and Bridges…Messy…
JT