Idk how fair it is to say the Russians are "holding back". Ukraine is for all intents and purposes, a fully equipped NATO power at this point. So in addition to the same Soviet style weapons Russia has relied on for decades, they also have the more modern NATO upgrades. Russia's army is bigger, but Ukraine has had limitless access to all the coffers and armories of the US and EU.
So the end result is an artillery standoff from both sides. The US is providing the targeting coordinates for the Ukrainians and so far the Russians havent targeted our drones or satellites. So any time there is a cluster of troops big enough to present a target, Ukraine can use their artillery. And while Russia enjoys air superiority, and can launch cruise missiles towards Ukraine with impunity, plenty of intact radar has allowed early warning minimizing casualties deeper into the country.
Both sides have taken a pounding from this. I am actually flabbergasted Putin has committed as few troops as he has to this engagement. All I can think is that higher concentrations of troops in an artillery war might be a liability instead of an asset
Russia only has air superiority up to their own front lines. Neither side are capable of flying into enemy territory without an extreme risk of being shot down.
But I agree with the rest.
Russia's combined arms strategies have been shockingly ineffective. I suspect it is a result of rivalries within their armed forces and that their "stealth" technology just isn't there yet.
Idk how fair it is to say the Russians are "holding back". Ukraine is for all intents and purposes, a fully equipped NATO power at this point. So in addition to the same Soviet style weapons Russia has relied on for decades, they also have the more modern NATO upgrades. Russia's army is bigger, but Ukraine has had limitless access to all the coffers and armories of the US and EU.
So the end result is an artillery standoff from both sides. The US is providing the targeting coordinates for the Ukrainians and so far the Russians havent targeted our drones or satellites. So any time there is a cluster of troops big enough to present a target, Ukraine can use their artillery. And while Russia enjoys air superiority, and can launch cruise missiles towards Ukraine with impunity, plenty of intact radar has allowed early warning minimizing casualties deeper into the country.
Both sides have taken a pounding from this. I am actually flabbergasted Putin has committed as few troops as he has to this engagement. All I can think is that higher concentrations of troops in an artillery war might be a liability instead of an asset
Russia only has air superiority up to their own front lines. Neither side are capable of flying into enemy territory without an extreme risk of being shot down.
But I agree with the rest.
Russia's combined arms strategies have been shockingly ineffective. I suspect it is a result of rivalries within their armed forces and that their "stealth" technology just isn't there yet.