Russia has issues with combat-capable infantry, relies on Shtorm-Z units - British intel

The Ministry of Defense reported this on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, citing intelligence data, Ukrinform saw.

It is noted that Russia largely continues to rely on specially designated Shtorm-Z units for local offensive operations in Ukraine. These company-sized groups were likely first fielded in 2022. There is a realistic possibility that Russia originally envisioned them as relatively elite organizations which could seize the tactical initiative, British intelligence says.

However, since at least spring 2023, Shtorm-Z have effectively become penal battalions, manned with convicts and regular troops on disciplinary charges.

Multiple accounts suggest the units are given the lowest priority for logistical and medical support, while repeatedly being ordered to attack.

Russian troops have often conducted an effective defense, according to the review. However, the existence of Shtorm-Z emphasizes the extreme difficulty Russia faces in generating combat infantry capable of performing effective offensive operations.

As Ukrinform reported earlier, Russia’s military death toll in Ukraine as of October 23 amounted to 295,510. A total of 810 Russian soldiers and officers were killed in action in the past 24 hours.