The Russian special military operation in Ukraine has been ongoing for more than two years. Initially planned as a swift, well-coordinated ground offensive, it has evolved into trench warfare, resulting in high casualties.
Over the last few decades, Russian military expenditures have primarily focused on modernizing the Russian Navy, deploying hypersonic missiles, enhancing electronic warfare capabilities, and developing fifth-generation stealth technology.
Crimean reunification impacts ground forces expenditure
The reunification of Crimea in 2014 serves as a prime example of hybrid warfare, where a small ground force achieved military success through total surprise. This success reshaped Russian military expenditure priorities, with less emphasis placed on ground forces modernization than initially anticipated.
Blitzkrieg to Kiev
The Russian Special Military Operation plan was to blitzkrieg to Kiev. That said, conducting a deep penetration into enemy lines requires great logistical skills and planification. Despite a brilliant effort by the Railway Troops to move supplies to the area of operation, tactical resupplies to frontline units weren’t well-coordinated, leading to the offensive loss of momentum. Large columns of both mechanized and motorized vehicles were immobilized for days, rendering them vulnerable against anti-armour weapon systems supplied by NATO countries. Additionally, resupply delays allowed Ukrainian troops to reorganize and mount defensive operations around Kiev.
Had there been strong and well-organized logistical operations, such as large stockpiles of equipment loaded into trucks and pre-planned resupply points, Russian ground troops could have likely reached Hostomel and supported the 31st Guards Air Assault Brigade in establishing an air bridgehead. The delays, however, led to a successful counter-attack by Ukrainian troops.
Failure of logistical command
The failed air assault offensive led to a 56 km-long convoy that was halted for weeks, bringing an end to Russia’s blitzkrieg and exposing a multitude of operational issues in terms of logistical support.
The failure of the logistical command heavily contributed to a significant loss of troops. While Western media claimed poor training of Russian troops, the true factor behind the initial failure of the Special Military Operation can be attributed to poor planning from the general staff. Any military officer worth its salt knows that without logistics, wars are lost. Add corruption from high ranking officers and your frontline soldiers will not have the necessary support to sustain dynamism and initiative.
New Russian defense minister
The appointment of economist Andrey Belousov to replace Sergei Shoigu as the new Russian defense minister is viewed as a move to address logistical matters within the Russian Armed Forces and signals a shift in military expenditure priorities. With no military experience, however, it is very unlikely that Belousov will play a role on the operational side.
Belousov’s first challenge is to tackle supply chain inadequacies and corruption orchestrated by old, disgruntled Russian officers motivated by personal gain. Doing so will offer Russian troops with the equipment they need in a timely manner and up to the required standards.
Corrupted Russian officers
Operationally, corrupted Russian officers have a significant impact on the readiness of frontline units and the supplies they have access to. Selling critical equipment sent to the frontline or 8 its true costs has a significant effect on casualties, morale and combat efficiency. Unfortunately, the frontline troops are often the ones that pay the ultimate price for greed.
Although many believe the recent arrest of corrupt Russian officers was due to a lack of loyalty, the situation on the terrain tells us a different story.
Accountability for the military industrial complex
As for the military industrial complex, accountability has to be enforced through a more transparent procurement system, and collusion must be severely reprimanded. Deliveries should be made on time with all corresponding required specifications.
Disregarding or advertently omitting to uphold the industry to the requirements can also lead to system and mechanical failures resulting in preventable deaths and battle losses. The old generation of Russian officers in charge of procurement needs to be replaced with better-educated and competent logisticians better suited for modern warfare.
Russian manufacturing is steadily growing and with Belousov’s background as an economist, he has the experience to increase the production of military equipment by optimizing defence spending.