Putin beordrar styrkor att gå in i Ukraina - INVASION NU (2022-02-24)

- Overcrowding of units on the frontline - too many units crammed into a small area made organizing a proper defense difficult. The more units command pushed in, the worse the chances of stable defense became.

- Lack of rotation and rest for units - some units had been stationed there for months, losing 2/3 of their personnel and equipment. New arriving units had no time to dig in or build defenses before coming under fire.

- Poor morale and lack of will to fight - many units are simply morally suppressed and waiting for their turn to retreat. Panic sets in easily and many flee at the first sign of heavy shelling rather than stand their ground.

- Poor middle management - some commanders act inadequately, failing to inspect positions or lead their men. When crisis hits, junior officers have to take charge.

- Lack of coordination and communication - units with different communication systems crammed together, artillery support not coordinated properly, commanders out of touch with situations on the ground.

- Failure to utilize resources - heaps of unused equipment left lying around, units unwilling to dig trenches or set up defenses even when means are available.

- Poor training and preparation of mobilized troops - some mobilized reservists did not even have basic first aid training or kits after months of supposed training.

För första gången sedan Sovjetunionens fall har en rysk försvarsminister nu besökt enpartistaten Nordkorea. Närmandet mellan länderna är symbolladdat och ett tecken på hur ett alltmer isolerat Ryssland söker vänner.