The Cold War Doctrine

The Soviet military doctrine relied heavily on two primary strategies: overwhelming firepower and entrenched warfare. A prime example was observed during the Crimea conflict, where tanks and helicopters crossed the border with little resistance, catching citizens off guard.

The concept of entrenched warfare was rooted in Russia’s World War II success, where they effectively encircled Nazi Germany by allowing them to stretch their resources. However, this approach is unlikely to succeed in Ukraine.

This strategy demands a substantial number of tanks, leading Russia to invest heavily in their procurement over the years. Unfortunately, the sophistication of anti-tank weapons has vastly improved, rendering many of their strategies outdated and ineffective.

Corruption and Inefficiency in Tank Production

The suppliers of tanks in Russia are often tied to the oligarchy, ensuring a steady stream of contracts for manufacturing. This corruption has resulted in a lack of competitive bidding, leading to subpar outcomes. Even the latest tank models fall short compared to their modern counterparts.

The majority of the tanks in use today are older models that are poorly maintained, exposing the shortcomings of Putin’s military strategy. The military leadership operates within a bubble, detached from the realities on the ground.

The Flawed Utilization of Tanks

Russian troops are misusing tanks, viewing them as a panacea instead of a tactical component. Tanks are most effective when used in conjunction with air support and infantry, especially considering their limited fuel efficiency—averaging only about one mile per gallon.

The infantry should be tasked with securing the area against anti-tank threats, while air support is needed to counter drones. However, many Russian anti-air units, like the PANTSIR-S1, are frequently missing or abandoned.

The Dangers of Overexposure

Russian tanks have been spotted advancing in single-file lines toward well-defended urban areas, making them easy targets. Recently, this tactic played out near Kyiv, where the tanks were fully exposed and subsequently struck by Ukrainian artillery.

Their formation was not only reckless but also resulted in significant collateral damage, as explosives affected multiple tanks at once. Faced with imminent destruction, they hastily retreated.

The harsh realities of tank warfare mean that death for crews can be brutal—either instant or agonizingly slow. In a troubling instance, drone footage captured a solitary tank traversing neighborhoods in Mariupol, completely exposed to hostile civilians.

Basic Logistics and Communication Failures

The Russian forces are struggling with logistics, running low on fuel while suffering from poor communication. The timing of the invasion coincided with unfavorable weather conditions, leading to vehicles getting stuck in muddy fields. Morale among troops is also reportedly low.

Despite taking some peripheral areas, Russia’s forces appear overextended, with maps often misrepresenting their actual gains. While they maintain a position as a regional power, they fall short of the superpower status that was once assumed.

The High Cost of Tank Warfare

Each tank can cost between $2 million to $15 million, which is relatively inexpensive compared to more advanced models. In contrast, a Javelin anti-tank missile costs around $178,000 and has a remarkable success rate in destroying tanks from distances exceeding 4,000 meters.

The US and NATO have supplied over 17,000 anti-tank weapons to Ukraine, including thousands of NLAWS.

Despite the potential for tanks to effectively bombard Kyiv if they encircle the city, their performance has been dismal, and they are struggling at every turn. Russia's deep investment in tanks complicates efforts to modernize their military, especially given the current state of their economy.

In modern warfare, the effectiveness of tanks is diminished when civilians are not intimidated by their presence. The current conflict demands precise coordination, which contrasts starkly with the brute force tactics reminiscent of World War II.

The Role of Intelligence in the Conflict

US intelligence has undermined Russia's efforts by foreseeing their invasion and continuously providing Ukraine with critical information. This has left Russian troops vulnerable, often using unsecured communications that expose their positions.

The sight of abandoned, destroyed, and fuel-depleted tanks illustrates the dysfunction and corruption plaguing Russia’s military. Their reliance on outdated strategies and inferior equipment has led to catastrophic failures.

Ironically, these tanks, initially intended as a shield against invasion, have become a liability for Russia in their quest for dominance.