Understanding Russian Military Doctrine

The Russian military is characterized as a fires-based force, primarily operating through artillery and tanks, focusing on the concept of maneuvering to create advantageous fire positions. This doctrine, which traces back to the Soviet era, emphasizes the importance of artillery strikes over ground troops. Although the Russian army has undertaken significant modernization efforts since 2014, recent conflicts revealed shortcomings in their operational readiness and adaptability to dynamic battlefield conditions. These factors played a crucial role in shaping the early phases of the Ukraine conflict, highlighting the challenges posed by outdated practices and unexpected resistance.