Russian military is underperforming in Ukraine

Russian commanders have manifestly failed to make full use of this modern kind of warfare.

Much of Russia’s military has so far underperformed in Ukraine. Prior to the invasion, it was assumed that the army had undergone a radical overhaul, reorganising itself into so-called “Battalion Tactical Groups”.

Qazet.az reports that these units of 800-1,000 men would operate in close coordination with tanks, drones and multiple-launch rocket systems to deliver a multi-faceted punch to the enemy. But it hasn’t worked out like that.

Russian commanders, especially in the north, have manifestly failed to make full use of this modern kind of warfare.

Their vehicles have also suffered mechanical breakdowns and they appear to have underestimated the strength of Ukrainian resistance, losing large numbers of men and equipment. So now, as grimly predicted, the gloves have come off.

Russian military tactics have reverted to a crude but tried and tested doctrine: encircle a city, pummel it with airstrikes, tank and artillery fire, and break the morale of both its defenders and those simply trying to survive.