Russia’s WWII-Era Tactics Hamstring the Ukraine War
An analysis argues Russia’s military culture remains rooted in World War II-style mass assaults that treat soldiers as expendable, limiting tactical innovation in the Ukraine war. Despite some gains from sheer manpower and drone-enabled reconnaissance, Russia faces severe casualties, aging recruits, and shortages that are worsened by practices like recycling wounded and recruiting prisoners. Training for elite units has been shortened to about 10 days, dissent and mutinous behavior have surfaced, and the system’s emphasis on obedience and sacrifice risks long-term harm to Russia’s military and economy while potentially exporting brutality beyond its borders.
