Western military analysts frequently deride and ridicule the Russian military for its slow-pace of advance in taking back territory from Ukraine in 2023 and 2024. But the perceived slow-advance was not the result of poor leadership or bad tactics… It was a manpower issue. On the eve of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine (which began on February 24, 2022), the Russian Armed Forces significantly outnumbered those of Ukraine in terms of active personnel. But even that number is misleading. If you are going to capture defensive positions held by Ukraine, you need ground forces.
One Reason the Russian Military Advanced Slowly in 2023 and 2024
by Larry C. Johnson