The war in Ukraine has offered NATO planners invaluable insight into the Russian military. NATO can use these insights to improve its tactics and strategy in preparation for any future war with Russia. What are the lessons learned?
Much has been said about Russian forces’ failures , but they have also shown some strengths. Although its casualties approach or perhaps exceed 20,000 killed in action, Russia has been able to maintain some offensive action for more than two months. The first lesson is thus that Vladimir Putin has a very high tolerance for losses.
Considering the heavy costs and low likelihood of success that now attach to Russia’s military prospects in Ukraine and the escalating economic costs of Western sanctions, Putin might have been expected to suspend major combat operations by now. So far, however, Putin remains committed to highly ambitious goals. He is as likely to escalate this situation as he is to deescalate — perhaps more likely.
