Russia's tank problem: British see far-reaching sloppiness

Created: 08/18/2022, 13:10

By: Andreas Schmid

Broken Russian tanks in Bucha.

© IMAGO/Daniel Ceng Shou-Yi

The British secret service recognizes "numerous Russian omissions" in the Ukraine war.

For example, with the proper care of tanks.

Moscow – Since the beginning of the Ukraine war, pictures of destroyed tanks have repeatedly appeared in the relevant photo agencies.

Sometimes shot at, sometimes burned out, sometimes broken down due to technical problems.

The reasons are varied.

And in the case of Russia, it is evident that their own soldiers are not doing enough work.

War in Ukraine: British secret service accuses Russia of poor tank care

British intelligence reported on Thursday (August 18) that Russia was having trouble protecting its main battle tanks.

The severe damage to many Russian vehicles in Ukraine is very likely related to the fact that the tanks are not well enough protected with so-called reactive armor, according to a statement by the Ministry of Defense in London on Thursday.

According to the information, such protective covers can protect tanks from damage in the event of a fire.

"But Russia has failed to install and properly use adequate Explosive Reactive Armor (ERA)."

Great Britain in the Ukraine War

The British secret service has been publishing information on the course of the war since the beginning of the war.

Usually via Twitter.

In doing so, the British government wants to both counter the Russian portrayal and show transparency in contrast to Moscow, keep allies in line and, if possible, reach people in Russia who otherwise only reach the Kremlin's interpretation of the war.

The ousted British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is a close ally of Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Moscow accuses London of a targeted disinformation campaign.

Ukraine war: British intelligence recognizes "numerous Russian omissions"

According to British secret services, these "deficiencies" are due to their own inability.

Many Russian troops are simply not sufficiently trained in handling such protective covers.

That's why they aren't attached to the tanks at all - or at least not in such a way that they could deter explosive shells, according to the British Ministry of Defense report.

During the Ukraine war, Russia committed "numerous failures in enforcing low-level combat discipline."

"The cumulative effect of these omissions is likely a major factor in the poor performance of the Russian Armed Forces."