1/ The grinding fighting in the Zaporizhzhia region of southern Ukraine is reportedly resulting in Russian units experiencing a severe shortage of personnel, with only 2% of the authorised strength in one instance. It's likely that casualties are exceeding replenishments. ⬇️
2/ A Russian officer is reported to have shared information about personnel shortages currently being experienced by the 71st Guards Motor Rifle Regiment (military unit 16544), which is part of the 42nd Motor Rifle Division (military unit 27777). 3/ As of early September 2026, the regiment is reported to have only 62 of its authorised strength of 106 soldiers – 58% of the authorised strength. The assault detachment is down to 54% – 88 out of 162 personnel. 4/ The 'Storm V' detachment is reported to have only two out of 88 personnel – about 2% of its authorised strength. It is presumably comprised of convicted prisoners deployed as disposable assault infantry, like its counterparts elsewhere. 5/ Other units of the regiment are reportedly undermanned as well. The officer reporting the shortages blames the incompetence of its commander, Lieutenant Colonel Daniil Yegorov. 6/ According to the officer, despite the lack of soldiers, Yegorov keeps setting them impossible tasks which they are unable to complete. 7/ While the reason for the shortage of personnel isn't disclosed, it's likely due to a combination of the usual Russian willingness to squander lives, Ukrainian efforts to step up drone attacks, and difficulties in finding replacement personnel. 8/ The shortage of convict infantry is particularly notable, as it suggests a breakdown in voluntary enlistment by convicts. The Russian government is reportedly looking at sentencing convicts to fight instead of seeking volunteers. /end bsky.app
1/ The Russian government is reportedly planning to sentence convicts to fight in Ukraine as a form of punishment – which for many will be a de facto death sentence. The initiative is said to have been prompted by declining numbers of convicts volunteering to fight. ⬇️
Source: t.me