Recent allegations pinpointing deep-seated deceit within the Russian military are gaining traction, as outlined in an ISW report. Vocal Russian ultranationalists have spotlighted a pervasive culture of dishonesty, posing as a formidable barrier to Russia’s desired outcomes in Ukraine. These claims are echoed by the September 15 commentary from Russian State Duma deputy and previous Southern Military District deputy commander, Lieutenant General Andrei Gurulev.
A prominent Russian military blogger on September 16 relayed a subscriber’s statement, validating Gurulev’s concerns. Another blogger graphically described the state of affairs as nearing calamity. Evidently, there’s a palpable reluctance within the Russian military infrastructure to candidly report on unit conditions and needs.
Decisions Clouded by Distortion and Internal Strife
Amidst this climate of misinformation, both the Russian Ministry of Defense (MoD) and President Vladimir Putin are potentially steering decisions based on doctored intel. In addition to misinformation, suppression, stifling of innovation, and duplicity are pinpointed as mounting challenges faced by Russian forces in Ukraine.
The foremost priority now, as cited by the military blogger, is to mitigate personnel casualties. Drawing parallels, ISW references an insider who likened Gurulev to the late financier of the Wagner Group, Yevgeny Prigozhin, dubbing him a “frontline harbinger of truth.”
Kremlin.ru, Vladimir Putin with military people (2017-12-28) 05, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons (image size modified)