Can the Russian military be considered as modernized? Based on its performance in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, it appears that the answer is a “no”.

Analysis of the war in Ukraine indicates that the Russian military's strategies and tactics are largely outdated and ineffective. Russian forces demonstrate proficiency in World War I-style trench warfare, exhibiting characteristics of endurance and resilience commonly portrayed in Russian literature. However, this effectiveness is largely confined to trench warfare scenarios, which typically require extensive preparation, including fortification and line establishment, similar to the defenses constructed along the Donetsk front.

In contrast, during offensive operations and maneuver warfare, Russian forces struggle to exhibit the qualities of agility, skill, and effectiveness. Their approach often involves marching in extended columns or conducting persistent but clumsy assaults on specific points, resulting in substantial casualties with minimal gains. Their formations are frequently vulnerable to modern technological weaponry, leading to disarray and lost opportunities for effective combat.

The Russian military faces significant challenges in maneuver warfare due to deficiencies in intelligence capabilities, logistical support, and strategic planning. They lack the necessary speed, rapid resupply, and adaptability to establish defensive positions in response to shifting enemy actions. All these constitute major shortcomings for the Russian military.

In maneuver warfare, the rigidity, lack of coordination, and disorientation of Russian forces become markedly apparent, as evidenced in their operations in Kyiv, Kharkiv, and Kursk. The military's performance in such situations is often characterized by disorder.

Even to this day, the Russian military still relies heavily on trench warfare, similar to that of the Battle of Stalingrad. It struggles with maneuver warfare and lacks effective intelligence support, rapid resupply capabilities, and the flexibility needed to adapt its defenses. These limitations are key characteristics of the Russian military today.

It remains an outdated force, and when placed in a maneuver warfare situation, the Russian military is highly susceptible to severe defeat. It is, therefore, possible that Ukraine is exploiting this vulnerability today.