A very good thread on the Russian army

[LiberalArkie]

https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2022/3/20/2086991/-Sabotaging-Russian-War-Efforts-Demographics

For those who don’t want to scroll through the tweets (because of all the graphs, I did not use an app to consolidate), here’s a summary:

First, the author, Kamil Galeev, is associated with The Wilson Center and went to high school in Moscow. Seems credible to me. He has many threads dedicated to the war and what led up to it. For example, Putin attacks countries when he feels like he’s losing support at home, so that was probably a large factor in his decision to invade. Also, Putin, who naturally fears a coup, may have deliberately weakened his own military, which explains some of the poor performance.

Second, this thread focuses on Russian demographics. Basically, Russians don’t have a lot of draftable males, and those who choose or are conscripted may not be the best. Manpower-wise, the Russians are being forced to turn to mercenaries and minorities. This brings up interesting points (some of which are mine). They may not be that loyal to Putin, which means they can be bought. It also makes me wonder — if Putin is so hell-bent on white supremacy, which does seem to be a motivator — what the hell he thinks he’s doing, by sending Chechens to kill Ukrainians?

Third, Galeev gives suggestions on how to sabotage the fighting force: bribe them to leave the army, especially after committing acts of sabotage. They don’t have to go to Ukraine to sit in a POW camp, but could be sent to other places. Bed, food and cash are things that would appeal to many of these soldiers.

Now, for those who want the details:

Link to tweet

?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1504585630688243722%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dailykos.com%2Fstory%2F2022%2F3%2F20%2F2086991%2F-Sabotaging-Russian-War-Efforts-Demographics

[OneBlueDotS-Carolina]

1. Excellent Resource

It's heavy & at times deep with Russian & a touch of French history. Great refresher course for those who studied Euro history.

Kamil Galeev is very good at tying up all the threads & presenting in a 2022 view of what's going on with Russia, Ukraine & Europe.

[Wingus Dingus]

2. I've been reading his threads these last few weeks--very enlightening.

I wasn't aware of how many of those Pootie-rally attendants had simply been told to attend, or were forcing employees to attend, provided bus fare, given food, etc. Here it would be called "astroturfed". Also was not aware of how Russia keeps its military subordinate to the state security apparatus, and generally does not give a shit about its personnel. And the bright and capable officers don't last or don't get promoted, to prevent a military coup.

[PortTack]

3. Thx for posting..bookmarking for later

[RainCaster]

4. A very interesting view of modern day Russia

TL DR:
Not many young men left in Russia theses days. So many of the conscripts (draftees) are ethnic minorities and from poor rural areas. Little loyalty or skills. Makes for bad soldiers.