Russia forces aren’t as strong as they claim, say captured Chinese fighters. This assertion, stemming from the accounts of two Chinese citizens captured while fighting for Russia in Ukraine, paints a compelling picture of a military significantly weaker than its projected image. The men, recruited through online advertisements, including one on TikTok, described being misled about the reality of the conflict. Their experience directly contradicts the often-exaggerated portrayal of Russian military might.
Russia forces aren’t as strong as they claim, say captured Chinese fighters, according to their firsthand accounts. These captured individuals highlight the stark contrast between the Russian government’s propaganda and the actual capabilities of its forces on the ground.… Continue reading
Released audio from Ukraine’s HUR suggests a Russian commander ordered his troops to fire on a neighboring unit for failing to follow orders, highlighting internal conflict within the Russian military. While the authenticity of the audio remains unverified, this incident is one of several reported instances of “friendly fire” among Russian forces. These incidents, coupled with intercepted calls revealing some Russians celebrating drone attacks on Moscow, underscore internal divisions and the human cost of the war. The scale of these internal conflicts, however, remains largely unknown.
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Russians are sending way more drones than they used to, a significant increase in the sheer number of unmanned aerial vehicles launched in the ongoing conflict. Reports indicate a tenfold increase, from a previous average of ten drones to eighty now. This dramatic escalation immediately raises questions about the implications of this shift in tactics.
This massive surge in drone deployments seems to represent a calculated strategic shift. The aim appears to be overwhelming Ukrainian air defenses through sheer volume, a strategy of attrition designed to wear down enemy capabilities. The cost-effectiveness of this approach becomes apparent when considering the relative expense of air defense systems versus the individual cost of drones.… Continue reading
Satellite imagery analysis reveals a drastic 3.5-4 times reduction in Russia’s tank restoration rate since 2022, insufficient to offset battlefield losses. Resurgam and Vishun_military researchers estimate that only around 1,200 tanks remain readily restorable, with over 4,000 decommissioned since 2022. This depletion of easily accessible reserves, coupled with a decline in monthly restoration from 120 units in 2022 to 30-35 in early 2025, is forcing Russia to utilize civilian vehicles and highlights a critical shortfall in tank production and repair capabilities. The dwindling number of restorable tanks, along with the dismantling of equipment “burial grounds,” further underscores the severity of the situation.
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A Ukrainian attack on Russia’s Engels-2 airbase resulted in the destruction of 96 air-launched cruise missiles via secondary explosions, according to Ukraine’s General Staff. The strike, one of several targeting the base, also eliminated significant fuel reserves intended for Russian aircraft, significantly impacting their operational capacity. Satellite imagery confirms substantial damage to the base, including craters and destroyed bunkers. While Russia reported intercepting 54 drones, the attack’s success represents a notable blow to Russian air power.
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The UK Ministry of Defence estimates that Russia has suffered approximately 900,000 casualties in Ukraine since the 2022 invasion, including 200,000-250,000 deaths, marking Russia’s greatest losses since World War II. Despite these substantial losses, the Kremlin reportedly prioritizes its war aims over soldier lives, accepting high casualty rates. Recruitment disproportionately targets impoverished ethnic minorities in Russia, highlighting a disparity in the value placed on the lives of different citizen groups.
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To bolster its flagging offensive in Ukraine, Russia has deployed assault units formed from personnel of its Strategic Rocket Forces (RVSN). These units, initially observed near the Russian-Donetsk Oblast border in November 2024, are now engaged in combat around Toretsk. The redeployment includes personnel from the RVSN’s 12th Main Directorate, responsible for nuclear weapons storage, and elements of the 132nd Motorized Rifle Brigade. Formation of these RVSN-based infantry units began as early as mid-2024, highlighting Russia’s increasing reliance on unconventional troop sources to sustain its war effort.
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A new Ukrainian general, often described as a highly effective and resourceful commander, is reportedly inflicting “unsustainable losses” on the Russian military. His rapid assessment of situations, ability to swiftly seize opportunities, and efficient use of resources are seen as key factors in his success. Some observers even suggest that his presence has dramatically altered the course of the war, highlighting his strategic acumen and battlefield leadership.
This general’s impact is particularly significant considering ongoing reports of Russian territorial gains, albeit often limited to small villages, in the eastern Donetsk region. While Russia claims to have seized settlements like Skudne and Burlatske, the strategic significance of these gains remains debatable.… Continue reading
Initially, Russian forces effectively utilized UMPK glide bombs, achieving significant battlefield gains. However, widespread Ukrainian electronic jamming has severely degraded the bombs’ accuracy by disrupting their GLONASS satellite guidance. This necessitates the use of multiple bombs per target, increasing costs and risks for the Russian air force. The effectiveness of Ukrainian jamming contrasts sharply with the limited success of Russian jamming efforts and highlights a key technological advantage for Ukraine. This situation underscores the critical role of effective electronic warfare in modern combat.
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Videos and testimony reveal the Russian military is returning wounded soldiers, some on crutches, to the front lines due to severe manpower shortages. This practice, confirmed by Western officials and a Ukrainian defense intelligence official, involves redeploying soldiers with significant injuries, even those recently operated on, to combat roles. This tactic, observed over the past six months, appears to be an attempt to mask losses and avoid paying compensation to families of soldiers killed in action. The practice highlights Moscow’s struggle to maintain its offensive without a broader, potentially unpopular, mobilization.
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Matt Underwood 
John Q. Hosedrinker