By KYIV. May 15 (Interfax-Ukraine) – It is unlikely that the Russian Combined Grouping of Forces (CGF) was able to generate a capable and large mobile reserve to respond to the operational challenges that arise, the Ministry of Defense of Great Britain and Northern Ireland said.
“Now the force is mostly poorly trained, mobilized reservists and increasingly reliant on antiquated equipment, with many of its units severely under-strength. It routinely only conducts very simple, infantry-based operations.
“Critically, it is unlikely that CGF has been able to generate a large, capable, mobile reserve to respond to emerging operational challenges,” according to the statement on Twitter on Sunday, May 14.
It is noted that the Russian CGF “on paper” in the same way as at the beginning of a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. It is likely that the Group of Forces consists of more than 200,000 personnel organized into about 70 combat regiments and brigades divided into five Groups of Forces.
The Russian CGF is still struggling with limited freedom to conduct air operations.
However, in February 2022, it consisted of professional soldiers and was mostly equipped with fairly modern vehicles; enemy troops trained regularly, aiming for complex joint operations.
“It is unlikely to be an organization which will effectively cohere large-scale military effect along the 1,200 km front line under stress,” the agency said.
