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Russia’s airborne forces – the VDV – have been heavily involved in several notable tactical failures since the start of Russia’s invasion, the UK Defense Ministry said in its intelligence report.
The VDV was involved in several operational failures, including “attempted advance on Kyiv via Hostomel Airfield in March, the stalled progress on the Izium axis since April, and the recent failed and costly crossings of the Siverskyi Donets River.”
The VDV, a 45,000-strong unit made up largely of professional contract troops, is assigned some of the most difficult tasks, according to the ministry. Its members enjoy elite status and get additional pay.
“The VDV has been employed on missions better suited to heavier armored infantry and has sustained heavy casualties during the campaign,” the MoD said in a tweet. “Its mixed performance likely reflects a strategic mismanagement of this capability and Russia’s failure to secure air superiority.”
The misemployment of the VDV in Ukraine demonstrates how Putin's 15-year investment in the armed forces has resulted in an imbalanced total force.
“The failure to anticipate Ukrainian resistance and the subsequent complacency of Russian commanders has led to significant losses across many of Russia’s more elite units,” the report said.
Picture Credits: Reuters
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