In its daily update, the British Ministry of Defence stated that Russia continues to rely heavily on “Shtorm-Z” troops for local offensive operations in Ukraine.
The company-sized groups were likely first deployed in 2022, the British Ministry of Defence reported on platform X, formerly known as Twitter. The report further states: “There is a realistic possibility that Russia originally designed them as relatively elite units capable of taking the tactical initiative.” According to the Brits, it’s clear that by spring 2023 at the latest, the “Shtorm-Z” groups had become penal battalions, staffed with convicts and regular soldiers who had been ordered to disciplinary actions.
Little support for the “Shtorm-Z” groups
The British Ministry of Defence continues, stating that multiple reports suggest that these units receive the lowest priority in logistical and medical support while being consistently tasked with attacks. The Brits also noted, “Russian troops have often conducted effective defense. However, the existence of Shtorm-Z highlights Russia’s extreme difficulties in deploying combat infantry capable of conducting effective offensive operations.”
Image: Kremlin.ru, Putin at military exercises (2022) 02., CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons, (no changes made).