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| Caucasus/Russia/Central Asia |
| EXPLAINED: Why Russia's 155th Brigade is Reportedly Refusing to Carry Out Orders to Capture Vuhledar |
| 2023-03-07 |
| [Kyiv Post] Once an elite part of the Kremlin’s armed forces, the elite Brigade has been decimated during several weeks of attacks on the town and now faces a "suicidal" mission if it carries out its orders As the atrociously bloody battle for Bakhmut continues and attention focuses on whether Ukraine can hold on to the city, a little further to the south in the east of the country, another potentially far-reaching drama is unfolding. According to Ukrainian authorities, commanders of Russia’s 155th Naval Infantry Brigade of the Pacific Fleet are now refusing to carry out the Kremlin’s orders. How is the brigade still functioning? According to the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), the 155th Brigade has been reconstituted as much as seven times since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion. A once elite unit is now made up almost entirely of poorly equipped conscripts. The ISW adds: "The combat effectiveness of this committed formation is likely negligible." What’s the current situation around Vuhledar? It has been reported that Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu has instructed his commanders to take Vuhledar at any cost which, for the 155th Brigade, would likely mean yet another incredibly costly offensive, with huge loss if life for little consequence. The end result is an apparent mutiny in the works. A statement from a Ukrainian military spokesman said: "The leaders of the brigade and senior officers are refusing to proceed with a new senseless attack as demanded by their unskilled commanders - to storm well-defended Ukrainian positions with little protection or preparation". Military analyst Oleg Zhdanov has reported that two "Cossack" Russian units, known as "Steppe and Tiger", had also refused to participate on the new offensive on the hilltop town. Lots of videos posted of mobilized Russian units pleading w/ Putin that they are used as meat. If only the Tsar knew. |
| Posted by:Spaish Platypus1029 |
| #5 Warthog defense gives more detail |
| Posted by: DarthVader 2023-03-07 15:10 |
| #4 ....At this point, I would love to see the Ukranians start dropping leaflets saying, "REMEMBER: Those of you who want to go home outnumber those who want you to stay." Mike |
| Posted by: MikeKozlowski 2023-03-07 12:42 |
| #3 But they were trained as "spearhead" or assault troops. Russian naval infantry are trained for fleet missions. |
| Posted by: badanov 2023-03-07 11:37 |
| #2 they were not really trained or armed for long term sustained combat. But they were trained as "spearhead" or assault troops. If they have been wiped out 7 times in the past year, they are losing troops faster than happened in WW2. I'm amazed they lasted this long before mutinying. |
| Posted by: Shith Phavilet5562 2023-03-07 11:30 |
| #1 This was a Marine Brigade. At the onset they were not really trained or armed for long term sustained combat. Of course, even the regular Russian army looks like they had similar deficiencies. |
| Posted by: lord garth 2023-03-07 08:54 |