Russia running short of troops

 NY Times:

Desperate for Recruits, Russia Launches a ‘Stealth Mobilization’

  • Leery of a politically risky draft, Russia has tried to stamp out any criticism of military service in Ukraine, and utilized cash incentives to lure in new soldiers.
  • To make up for the manpower shortfall, the Kremlin has relied on impoverished ethnic minorities, Ukrainian separatists and other groups.

Clearly, the Ukraine operation has been a bigger task than Putin or his camp ever expected.   The operation has exposed the weakness of Russia's conventional military and its equipment.  If a draft is "risk" it suggests that there is also little popular support for the operation.  The Russian claims on Ukraine territory appear farcical.

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