Will the Russian army learn from its mistakes?

Roman Saponkow reports major improvements in equipment, combat morale and artillery procedures. He recognizes a “positive dynamic” in the Russian army.

In November, videos of drunk and aggressive Russian recruits surfaced on social media. Alcoholism and anarchy still exist, but the “chaos”, as Saponkov calls it, should be over now.

“Order is emerging among the mobilized,” he writes. Strict rules have been put in place for the new recruits.

New weapons for the Russian army

Saponkov, who claims to serve as a “volunteer” in the Russian army, also goes into equipment. There used to be “no first aid kits, no helicopters, no uniforms”. Now the soldiers’ need for more professionalism and comfort is gradually approaching.

Defense has supplied new combat equipment, such as anti-drone cannons. The armed forces would be excited about the weapons.

The Russian artillery is improving according to Saponkov

The Russian fighter has also seen changes in combat. Russian artillery can now fire faster and locate targets faster.

The Ukrainians are thus forced to retreat more quickly with their guns in order not to be hit by the Russian artillery.

The Russian troops would slowly become “one organism” and mechanisms would interlock. Also new are the shorter decision-making processes.

“Effectiveness” in the focus of the Russian army leadership

“The decision to open fire is made at the level of the battery commander, who has direct contact with infantry reconnaissance,” says the analysis, which reached some two million people on Telegram.

It is now less about bare survival and more about the “effectiveness of the army”.

However, at the end of his report, Roman Saponkow no longer sounds so euphoric. It is clear that the situation described depends very much on the commanders on the ground and varies greatly from place to place. (nad)