The situation with troop numbers
The number of Russian troops for the invasion of Ukraine has increased to 712 thousand people. At the beginning of the year, it was about 628 thousand. Over three quarters, 300 thousand people were recruited for contract service in Russia, which compensates for losses and allows for gradual reinforcement.
Main strike force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine
On the other hand, the main strike force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine is the corps, consisting of about 20 thousand people. In total, the Armed Forces of Ukraine include more than 157 brigades. The minimum cost of maintaining one soldier per month is estimated at 117 thousand hryvnias, which makes maintaining a large army a financial challenge.
At the same time, technologies are changing the nature of warfare:
- 70% of drone components in the world come from China, making it a key unofficial regulator of the intensity of hostilities.
As noted by the interlocutor, 'the main strike force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine is the corps, which is about 20,000 people.'