Rising challenges for Russian forces as Ukraine's winter looms
Soon, snow and rain will descend on Ukraine, hampering the Russian Federation's army's ability to use drones, claims Major Dmytro Kozhubenko of the Ukrainian National Guard in an interview with the Ukrainian channel TSN.
The Russians are aware that a shift in weather conditions in Ukraine is imminent. This will result in more challenging vehicle deliveries to the front line. This is evident from the aggressor's army behaviour, which, according to the Ukrainian military, is now actively engaging its logistics in operations.
Russia knows what to expect
Russia understands that the rains will soon set in, softening the ground in Donbas and making it difficult for equipment to advance. Thus, they are currently active in certain areas and are moving their armoured vehicles, with which they supply their infantry forces, explained Kozhubenko.
The military notes that changing weather conditions, such as snow and rain, will primarily obstruct the Russian Federation's passage along roads. As a result, armoured vehicles will find it difficult to regularly deliver equipment to personnel in remote positions on Ukrainian territory. The weather will also significantly restrict drone use.
Kozhubenko emphasises that the Russians will face difficulties in Ukraine due to the weather, but military operations will continue in general. This is largely because of the Russian Federation's infantry. The infantry will reach Ukrainian positions, albeit more slowly. However, the aggressor will not halt operations. As long as Russia has a supply of personnel prepared for combat, they will maintain their attacks, summed up the Ukrainian.
Harsh weather conditions
Considering the unfavourable weather conditions for the Russians, experts have frequently highlighted this problem, citing the poor condition of tyres on Russian vehicles. It is also significant that mud on the front line adversely affects the condition of firearms and heavy equipment, including howitzers. Adverse weather (rain, snow, mud) can cause weapon jams and, in extreme cases, lead to complete damage, effectively putting them out of action.
However, it should be noted that mud and snow in Ukraine do not pose a significant problem for tracked vehicles. The defending army demonstrated this back in 2023, with footage showing how the Polish Krab self-propelled howitzer operates at the front during winter.
