The Intelligence from The Economist The 300,000 body problem: Russia mobilises and threatens
Sep 21, 2022
Shashank Joshi, Defense editor for The Economist, dives into Vladimir Putin's recent troop mobilization, shedding light on Russia's goal of 'liberating' eastern Ukraine. He analyzes the implications of Putin’s nuclear threats and the challenges facing Russia's military, including leadership and training deficiencies. The conversation also touches on upcoming referendums in occupied territories that could reshape military strategy. Additionally, the discussion contrasts these global tensions with shifting political landscapes in rural America.
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Russia's Mobilization
- Russia's mobilization allows calling up reservists, especially those with prior service or relevant skills like engineering or IT.
- This move addresses both manpower and skill shortages in the Russian army, exacerbated by substantial losses in Ukraine.
Sham Referendums
- Putin announced "referendums" in occupied Ukrainian regions (Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, Zaporizhzhia) on joining Russia.
- These are similar to the 2014 Crimean annexation and likely rigged.
Implications of Annexation
- Annexing Ukrainian territories lets Putin claim any attack on them is an attack on Russia, potentially justifying nuclear response.
- This annexation also offers manpower resources for his depleted army.