Russian Troops Struggle at Night, Giving Ukraine an Advantage: UK Intelligence

Russian Troops' Night-Fighting Challenge

Russian troops are facing difficulties in fighting Ukrainian forces during nighttime operations, according to British intelligence. The lack of nighttime training is giving Ukraine an edge in the dark, allowing them to gain an advantage over Moscow.

In its daily intelligence update, the UK's Ministry of Defense stated that Russian forces continue to struggle when fighting at night, which has been observed since the start of Vladimir Putin's war with Ukraine in February 2022. Combatants have consistently reported this trend.

Russian military training has traditionally focused on daytime exercises to impress senior visiting officers, resulting in a cultural element that contributes to their night-fighting problem, as highlighted by British intelligence.

Ukraine's Advantage in Night Operations

Ukraine has the upper hand in carrying out nighttime offensives against Russian forces due to the equipment they possess, including night-vision goggles provided by Western nations. This advantage allows Ukrainian forces to operate effectively under low-light conditions.

In late November, a social media user claiming to be a Russian soldier serving in Kherson, Ukraine, pointed out the shortage of night-vision goggles and low-light cameras for unmanned aerial vehicles. Night-vision goggles frequently top the list of equipment requested by Russian units from their families and supporters, according to UK intelligence.

On the other hand, Ukrainian forces have often been equipped with night vision devices from international partners, as stated by the UK's Ministry of Defense. This equipment has significantly enhanced their operational capabilities during nighttime engagements.

Russian Limitations in Night Operations

Russia's inability to afford expensive night-vision capabilities has further contributed to their challenges in conducting night operations. The Russian military has long been known for lacking these higher-end capabilities, even prior to the war and the subsequent degradation of their forces.

George Barros, a geospatial intelligence team lead and Russia analyst with the Institute for the Study of War, explained that the Russian military's limited resources make it difficult for them to invest in costly night-vision equipment.

Conclusion

The UK's intelligence assessment reveals the significant disadvantage faced by Russian troops when operating at night. Ukraine's superior training, coupled with the support of Western nations in terms of equipment, has positioned them as a formidable force during nighttime operations. As the conflict between Russia and Ukraine continues, the outcome of battles fought under the cover of darkness could prove crucial in determining the overall outcome of the war.

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By: nmusumeci@businessinsider.com (Natalie Musumeci)
Title: Russian Troops Struggle at Night, Giving Ukraine an Advantage: UK Intelligence
Sourced From: www.businessinsider.com/russian-troops-not-trained-fight-night-giving-ukraine-edge-intel-2023-12
Published Date: Tue, 12 Dec 2023 14:56:36 +0000