After Fooling the People to Reelect Putin, Russia now announces More Cannon Fodder Mobilizations

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu announced plans to bolster the country’s military might by creating two new combined arms armies, 14 divisions, and 16 brigades by the end of the year. This move, revealed during a meeting with defense chiefs, comes amid growing concerns about Moscow’s aggressive posture following Vladimir Putin’s disputed reelection.

Shoigu emphasized the need to fortify the Russian military in response to perceived threats to the country’s security. He disclosed that a new army corps, a motorized rifle division, the Dnipro River Flotilla, and a riverboat brigade have already been established, signaling Russia’s commitment to expanding its military capabilities.

The escalation in military buildup coincides with the third year of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, which has incurred significant casualties on both sides. Ukrainian authorities estimate Russia’s losses at over 430,000, while U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin cited figures of 315,000 killed and wounded. The staggering toll has prompted Russia to initiate a partial mobilization and explore avenues to replenish its forces.

However, maintaining a sizable field force for aggressive operations poses challenges for Putin’s regime, especially in light of persistent casualties. The composition of Russian ground forces in Ukraine reflects a mix of regular units, mobilized soldiers, and volunteer formations, underscoring the strain on military resources.

To address manpower shortages, Russia faces several options, each fraught with practical and political implications. These include recruiting additional soldiers, negotiating for a reduction in hostilities, exploiting regional conflicts to ease pressure on Ukrainian fronts, deploying conscripts to the battlefield, or resorting to another wave of mobilization.

Recruiting new soldiers presents logistical hurdles, particularly given the depletion of available manpower sources. The reliance on prisoners and volunteers for military service underscores the challenges in sustaining recruitment efforts. Moreover, casualties have depleted the quality of Russia’s armed forces, further complicating operational effectiveness.

Amid mounting pressures, Russia’s political leadership must navigate a delicate balancing act to secure adequate manpower while managing public perceptions and international scrutiny. The Kremlin’s decision-making will hinge on factors such as casualty rates, diplomatic developments, and the feasibility of alternative strategies.

For Ukraine and its Western allies, the militarization of Russia underscores the urgent imperative to counteract Russian aggression through concerted military efforts. Negotiations and appeasement are unlikely to deter Moscow’s expansionist ambitions, necessitating a resolute stance backed by military strength to safeguard regional stability and deter further aggression.