Moscow's plans to create two new armies will face problems - British intelligence

"Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu announced on March 20, 2024, that Russia will create two new armies in 2024. They will reportedly be formed of 14 divisions and 16 brigades. The exact type, location, and composition of these units were not stated, though a mix including mechanized, armored, artillery, and logistics is most likely, the statement said.

"It is a realistic possibility that these new formations are linked to previous new unit announcements and planned brigade to division uplifts," the statement said.

British intelligence says, "It is likely that the units can be sufficiently staffed," considering Russia's successful recruitment efforts.

"However, given Russia's limited training, widespread use of legacy equipment, and infrastructure issues, it is likely these units will suffer similar resourcing problems," the British Ministry of Defence noted.

Putin's plans

Recall that on March 20, Shoigu announced that, by order of Vladimir Putin, Russia would form new units, including the Dnipro River Flotilla, an army corps, a motorized rifle division, and a brigade of river boats for the flotilla.

Shoigu also announced that by the end of 2024, Russia would have two general-purpose armies and 30 combined arms formations, including 14 divisions and 16 brigades.

According to the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Russia has already lost over 437,000 soldiers on the front since the start of the full-scale war. In just the last day, Ukrainian defenders eliminated 640 Russians and destroyed dozens of enemy vehicles.

Earlier, British intelligence stated that Russia's average daily losses in February were the highest since the start of the full-scale war.