Putin's Tank Dilemma in the Ukraine War
The Ukraine war has taken a significant toll on Russia's military equipment, especially tanks. Satellite images and research by the Süddeutsche Zeitung reveal that Russia has lost nearly 3,200 tanks since the war began. This is more than the number of tanks Putin's army had at the start of the conflict. According to Reuters, Russia lost 1,120 tanks to the Ukrainian military in 2023 alone. Despite efforts to modernize and deploy older Soviet-era tanks, the wear and tear on these vehicles are immense.
Depleting Soviet Reserves and Increased Drone Warfare
The International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) reports that Russia has been compensating for its losses by deploying older tanks from storage, at times reaching rates of 90 vehicles per month. However, satellite images show that these reserves are running low. An analysis by the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) in March indicated that Russia had used up 25 to 40 percent of its Soviet reserves. The condition of these reserves is poor, with many vehicles requiring significant repairs. In addition to tank losses, Russia's drone warfare has intensified. The Russian Ministry of Defense reported destroying 36 Ukrainian drones overnight in regions bordering Ukraine, including Bryansk, Kursk, and Belgorod.
- The depletion of Soviet-era tanks is a critical issue for Russia. In 87 military sites analyzed by Süddeutsche, inventories have halved. For instance, the 111th Central Tank Reserve Base saw its vehicle count drop from 857 at the start of the invasion to 431 by October 2022. Today, the base is nearly empty. This shortage is further exacerbated by the need to strip old stocks for parts to repair frontline tanks.
- The drone warfare between Russia and Ukraine has escalated, with both sides employing drones extensively. Russia's recent destruction of 36 Ukrainian drones highlights the ongoing aerial conflict. Ukraine has intensified its drone attacks on Russian territory, targeting energy sites and border towns. Moscow claimed control of additional villages in eastern Ukraine, demonstrating the ongoing territorial disputes.
