# The reason behind Russia's struggle in Ukraine

By [hypersec](https://paragraph.com/@hypersec) · 2022-03-06

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Since the beginning of the invasion, Russia got to disrupt all its plans, every single day. Logistical troubles, lack of communication, low morale, rotten food, unfamiliarity with the terrain and poor organisation. A wartime disaster that will eventually ruin the lives of Russians, including non-military personnel.

Is the Russian army doomed to lose the fight?
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The Russian Armed Forces have obviously not deployed their full capabilities and resources. In the event of a considerable increase in the forces deployed at the front, Russia could conquer the entire territory of Ukraine.

![Photo by Marienko Andrew / AP](https://storage.googleapis.com/papyrus_images/66f17164fadeb7a61f0745e87eb827faf520085663e0cde877919695b387a05b.jpg)

Photo by Marienko Andrew / AP

So why are they visibly failing?
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The first rationale is the human factor: Russian soldiers had no idea that they were about to or were actually invading Ukraine. Many of them were convinced that they were engaged in a joint exercise with Belarusian forces and Crimean detachments of the Red Army.

The shock was great when they were asked to open fire on the enemy. But the enemy wore similar uniforms and had virtually identical genetic traits. Many refused to engage Ukrainian targets for fear of friendly fire. However, the Ukrainians knew exactly who the target was.

The use of analogue radios on unencrypted channels and frequencies meant that the Ukrainian people (and military) were able to intercept all their communications. Initially, this data was used to predict the movements and following tactics of Russian troops. But we must not forget: we are in the age of Instagram and TikTok. Every movement of Russian troops is documented in near real-time on social platforms. The Ukrainians have started to use the radio channels of the Russians to broadcast their national anthem at full volume.

On top of that, at the end of the first week of combat, signs of fatigue and low morale began to show. The MREs available to Russian soldiers have been out of date for over 7 years, making the food it contains unconsumable.

What about the Ukrainians?
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The Ukrainians have also suffered substantial losses, including most of their military infrastructure and their only marine frigate. There have also been countless civilian casualties. Hundreds of buildings and houses have been bombed by the Russians.

![Chris McGrath / Getty Images](https://storage.googleapis.com/papyrus_images/8e5b7d9e8d8e31fe20f4d84540675e65ee44d1040174f318cea90a2e5dcd2d1b.jpg)

Chris McGrath / Getty Images

The big difference between the Ukrainian side and the Russian army is clearly the morale. Mostly thanks to their leader, President Zelensky. Zelensky did not quit Ukraine, despite European and US proposals for exfiltration. His charm and methodology give him qualities that many Ukrainians are idolising.

Years of preparation and such an obvious failure, how is it possible for an army of this size?
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As in any military conflict, a more important asset than firepower is the strategic and tactical ability. Currently, the Ukrainians are excelling in these last two areas. With a calm and measured approach they are dragging the Russians into urban combat, enjoying a clear advantage: territorial knowledge.

Urban fighting is not only marked by the Ukrainian military, but also by civilians, who are using Molotov cocktails and human barricades to slow down and stop many of the Russian attacks. Meanwhile, the farmers manage to seize the Russian tanks, towing them away with their tractors.

### Who’s hypersec?

> Hypersec is an Intel Analyst & Researcher with Focus on EURASIA's Military. _Find out more on_ [_hypersec.org_](https://hypersec.org/)_._

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*Originally published on [hypersec](https://paragraph.com/@hypersec/the-reason-behind-russia-s-struggle-in-ukraine)*