

A Tactical Disaster for Russia’s Military
12 snips May 23, 2022
Anton Troianovski, Moscow bureau chief for The New York Times, dives into the unexpected struggles of the Russian military in Ukraine. He discusses the disastrous attempt to cross the Donets River, leading to significant Russian casualties and growing dissent among military supporters. The conversation uncovers the stark contrast between the Kremlin's narrative of success and the grim realities on the ground. Troianovski also highlights entrenched issues like corruption and outdated command structures that continue to plague Russia's military efforts.
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Failed River Crossing
- In May, Russia attempted a river crossing of the Donets River to encircle Ukrainian troops.
- Dozens of vehicles were destroyed by Ukrainian artillery fire, resulting in a disastrous tactical defeat.
Pressure on Russian Command
- Russia hasn't achieved its objective of controlling Donbas after three months of war.
- The disastrous river crossing highlights the immense pressure on the Russian military command to show progress.
Vulnerability of River Crossings
- River crossings make armies inherently vulnerable.
- This vulnerability increases the risk, especially when under pressure to show progress.