Leaked German intelligence report labels Ukraine’s counter-offensive as ‘too slow’ due to ‘leadership flaws’ – sparking anger from other Kiev allies
Leaked German intelligence report labels Ukraine’s counter-offensive as ‘too slow’ due to ‘leadership flaws’ – sparking anger from other Kiev allies
- Bundeswehr assessment assesses Ukrainian leadership lacks NATO training
A leaked German intelligence document claims that Ukraine’s counter-offensive is not making meaningful progress as the army does not fully utilize Western training.
The confidential insight obtained by Bild judged that Ukrainian soldiers trained by Western forces show “great learning success” but are let down by superiors.
It warned that the military tends to favor soldiers with combat experience over those with NATO training, meaning some have “significant leadership deficiencies.”
It also commented on “deficiencies” in “the application of management processes…that sometimes lead to incorrect and dangerous decisions.”
A high defense resource in the British Army told De Telegraaf commented on the Bundeswehr leak, saying it was not helpful to “voice Ukrainian criticism.”
“They (Ukrainians) certainly have enough problems, but I don’t think this German accusation is one of them,” they said.
Ukrainian soldiers conduct operations to attack trenches of Russian troops through Donetsk Oblast amid the Russia-Ukraine War in Donetsk Oblast, Ukraine July 24, 2023
Ukrainian soldiers fire a D-20 howitzer at Russian troops at a position near the frontline town of Bakhmut, amid the Russian assault on Ukraine, in Donetsk region, Ukraine, July 11, 2023
On July 24, the Institute for the Study of War rated that Ukraine’s ongoing counter-offensive “will not be quick and easy.”
The public policy research organization observed the difficulties in sustaining a breakthrough through Russian lines given the time Russia had to regroup and prepare.
The recent assessment also pointed to Ukraine’s lack of air superiority and limited air defense – both topics that have come up as Zelensky pushes for more Western aid.
Third, ISW noted that the advance would be limited by Russia “optimizing its operations,” slowing down its own advance to preserve personnel.
Meanwhile, senior defense official Admiral Sir Tony Radakin claimed earlier this month, Russia had lost half its combat capabilities since the start of the war.
“Last year it fired 10 million artillery shells, but at best it can produce 1 million shells a year. It has lost 2,500 tanks and can only produce 200 tanks a year at the most.’
Russian organization has been further undermined by clashes between the armed forces and the Wagner Group, the mercenary company supporting Russia’s war effort, which turned late last month and appeared to be marching on Moscow.
Radakin said in July that Kiev’s strategy of attrition was steadily wearing away at Russian defenses.
He also pointed to the limits of Ukraine’s air defenses and ammunition holding back the counter-offensive.
Ukrainian President Zelensky said last week that the offensive would soon “gain momentum.”
About 100 square miles of territory have been recaptured since the push launched about two months ago.
A Ukrainian soldier stands in front of a Marder infantry fighting vehicle at the German Armed Forces training area in Munster, Germany, on February 20, 2023.
A Ukrainian soldier holds a drawing as they support their frontline towards Avdiivka, July 20, 2023
Western countries are currently expressing concern over what appears to be joint training exercises between Wagner Group troops and Belarusian troops on the Polish border.
Poland recently sent 1,000 troops to Belarus to bolster security.
The Polish government has committed to establishing a sapper nearby to reinforce NATO’s eastern flank and secure the Suwałki Gorge.
The Gap — a space between Poland and Lithuania that separates Belarus from Russia’s Kaliningrad exclave — is considered a vulnerable point because, if overwhelmed, it could cut the Baltic states off from their Western allies.