Those looking for hope in the 10,000 Russian troops "returning to bases" following combat training exercises news (Interfax, Reuters) need to understand a few things: First, this only applies to Southern Military District. Troop numbers in Western MD remain stable or are.. 1/
https://twitter.com/McFaul/status/1474861642999484416
.. increasing (according to some reports). Second, this was a normal, routine winter training exercise period. It also involves rotation of units: other troops will rotate to training areas in coming days and weeks. Third, not all unit equipment is being returned to base. 2/
Other equipment is being transited on a north-south axis between Southern and Western MDs. Fourth, the whole point of such exercises is to maintain and raise combat readiness levels. In effect, the 10,000 troops are returning to base in a better prepared state of readiness. 3/
Finally, the overall number of Russian troops at higher levels of combat readiness is being raised steadily but surely. The overall amount of equipment continues to rise withn operational distance of Ukraine. The picture looks a lot less rosey than 1 week ago. End/
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