How Big is Russia’s Army in Ukraine? Bigger, But Definitely Not Better
The conflict between Russia and Ukraine has escalated to a new level of intensity, as Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered his troops on February 24, 2022 to invade the eastern regions of Donetsk and Luhansk, which he recognized as independent states. The move was met with strong condemnation from the international community, which accused Russia of violating Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. But how big is Russia’s army in Ukraine, and how does it compare to Ukraine’s military capabilities?
According to a recent report by the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), Russia has deployed between 169,000 and 190,000 personnel in and around Ukraine, including military troops along the border, in Belarus, and in occupied Crimea; Russian National Guard and other internal security units; and Russian-led forces in eastern Ukraine. This is more than double the size of the force that invaded Ukraine in 2022, when Russia had about 100,000 troops near the border.
However, this does not mean that Russia has an overwhelming advantage over Ukraine, which has 196,000 active personnel and 900,000 reservists in its armed forces. Ukraine has also reformed and modernized its military structure and equipment, with plans to acquire Western combat aircraft and naval vessels by the mid-2030s. Moreover, Ukraine has the support of its Western allies, who have provided military aid, training, and sanctions against Russia.
In fact, Russia’s military intervention in Ukraine has been costly and ineffective, as it has faced fierce resistance from the Ukrainian army and the local population. According to the Kyiv Post, Russia has suffered hundreds of thousands of casualties in the war, including 40,000 killed and 150,000 wounded. The Kyiv Post also reported that Russia has lost more than 2,000 tanks, 4,000 armored vehicles, 1,500 artillery systems, and 300 aircraft in the conflict.
Russia’s propaganda machine has tried to conceal the extent of its losses and portray its aggression as a humanitarian mission, but the truth is becoming harder to hide. Many Russians have expressed their dissatisfaction and anger with the war, which has drained the country’s resources and reputation. Some have even protested against the war, demanding an end to the bloodshed and a withdrawal of the troops.
The war in Ukraine is not only a threat to the peace and stability of Europe, but also a disaster for Russia itself. Russia’s army in Ukraine may be bigger, but it is definitely not better than Ukraine’s. Ukraine has shown its resilience and determination to defend its sovereignty and democracy, and it deserves the full support of the international community.
