🔴 Vladimir Putin's army: The mercenaries and foreign troops forming the second wave of fighters in Ukraine.
Russia has been forced to turn elsewhere for more resources as they take significant casualties in the war so far – but who are they?
Thread 🧵
telegraph.co.uk/world-news/202…
Russia has been forced to turn elsewhere for more resources as they take significant casualties in the war so far – but who are they?
Thread 🧵
telegraph.co.uk/world-news/202…
🇷🇺 Russian forces have been steadily ground down by dogged Ukrainian resistance.
Latest Ukrainian estimates say Russia has lost over 12,000 soldiers - with a further 3,000 taken as prisoners of war - 389 tanks, 77 planes and 90 helicopters
Latest Ukrainian estimates say Russia has lost over 12,000 soldiers - with a further 3,000 taken as prisoners of war - 389 tanks, 77 planes and 90 helicopters
Moscow is having to call on foreign fighters based 6,000 miles away from Ukraine after suffering heavy casualties in personnel and equipment.
Who are these fresh troops aiding Putin's invasion? ⬇️
Who are these fresh troops aiding Putin's invasion? ⬇️
🔴 Eastern Military District.
The first wave of forces could come from troops from Armenia with whom Moscow has a strategic security partnership.
However, the Eastern Military District troops are thought to use old equipment and are not considered Moscow’s finest soldiers....
The first wave of forces could come from troops from Armenia with whom Moscow has a strategic security partnership.
However, the Eastern Military District troops are thought to use old equipment and are not considered Moscow’s finest soldiers....
🔴 Russian Pacific fleet.
Russian troops from the east and the Pacific fleet are based in Vladivostok on Russia’s Asian coast.
However, they are expected to take around 10 days to get into position near Ukraine
Russian troops from the east and the Pacific fleet are based in Vladivostok on Russia’s Asian coast.
However, they are expected to take around 10 days to get into position near Ukraine
🔴 Wagner Group.
Intelligence believe they are active across Libya, Venezuela, Syria and central Africa.
The 'shadowy' organisation is held at arm's length from Moscow, but is thought to receive significant support from the regular Russian military, in particular, air support
Intelligence believe they are active across Libya, Venezuela, Syria and central Africa.
The 'shadowy' organisation is held at arm's length from Moscow, but is thought to receive significant support from the regular Russian military, in particular, air support
🔴Chechen mercenaries.
These troops recently displayed their support for Mr Putin in a public show of force.
Their performance so far has been mixed, however, with images circulating on social media of destroyed pick-up trucks from which Chechen fighters had been operating
These troops recently displayed their support for Mr Putin in a public show of force.
Their performance so far has been mixed, however, with images circulating on social media of destroyed pick-up trucks from which Chechen fighters had been operating
🔴 Syrian Nationals.
Defence analysts expect the prolonged freezing temperatures in Ukraine will come as a shock to any Syrians answering Putin’s call to arms.
'It is not thought Russia will risk their already stalled advance being further hampered by using foreign fighters'
Defence analysts expect the prolonged freezing temperatures in Ukraine will come as a shock to any Syrians answering Putin’s call to arms.
'It is not thought Russia will risk their already stalled advance being further hampered by using foreign fighters'
Why is Putin turning to foreign forces?
👉 It would be easier for him to withstand the political impact of casualties sustained by additional troops.
👉 Often, “they may be prepared to take higher risks,” says Ben Barry, of the International Institute of Strategic Studies
👉 It would be easier for him to withstand the political impact of casualties sustained by additional troops.
👉 Often, “they may be prepared to take higher risks,” says Ben Barry, of the International Institute of Strategic Studies
🗣️ According to Barry, “It’s very difficult to tell how much of the force is actually on the front line or stuck in traffic jams."
Read the full analysis here 👇
telegraph.co.uk/world-news/202…
Read the full analysis here 👇
telegraph.co.uk/world-news/202…
• • •
Missing some Tweet in this thread? You can try to
force a refresh
