British intelligence names reasons behind ineffectiveness of Russian forces in Ukraine

Corruption and poor conditions remain one of the underlying causes of Russia’s failures in Ukraine.

That’s according to an update by the British defense intelligence agency, released by the country’s Defense Ministry, Ukrinform reports.

As contingents of mobilized Russian reservists have been deployed to Ukraine over the last two weeks, their average level of personnel equipment is almost certainly lower than the already poor provision of previously deployed troops.

“Many reservists are likely required to purchase their own body armour, especially the modern 6B45 vest, which is meant to be on general issue to combat units as part of the Ratnik personal equipment programme. This vest has been selling on Russian online shopping sites for 40,000 roubles (approx.. USD $640), up from around 12,000 roubles (approx.. USD $190),” the report reads.

In 2020, the Russian authorities announced that 300,000 sets of Ratnik body armour had been supplied to the Russian military, which was ample to equip the force currently deployed in Ukraine.

“Endemic corruption and poor logistics remain one of the underlying causes of Russia’s poor performance in Ukraine,” the report concludes.

As reported by Ukrinform, Russian President Vladimir Putin on September 21 announced partial mobilization. Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said 300,000 reservists would be called up as part of the move.

 On September 30, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed documents on the accession into the Russian Federation of the puppet entities "DPR", "LPR", as well as the territories of Kherson and Zaporizhia regions of Ukraine temporarily captured by the Russian army.