Russia’s Military Equipment in Short Supply
The Russian military has lost a significant amount of its equipment, with more than half of its available gear gone. This is according to a report by The Insider, an independent media outlet.
Most of the lost equipment was Soviet-era stuff that’s not in good condition. Russia still has some tanks, armored vehicles, and artillery, but they’re not enough to keep fighting at current levels. Unless something unexpected happens, hostilities could slow down by late 2025 or early 2026.
US President Donald Trump recently urged Russia to “make a deal” to end the war in Ukraine. Russian President Vladimir Putin said Moscow is ready to talk with Trump.
The Insider reported that both Russian and Ukrainian forces are mainly losing old equipment. Russia has lost about half of its total stock, while much of what’s left is in poor shape. It’s unlikely to be fixed and sent to the front lines.
Russia still has around 2,000 tanks, 2,000 infantry fighting vehicles (BMPs), and 3,000 armored personnel carriers (APCs). However, Moscow is facing production limitations. The only new BMP-3 being produced in large numbers is not enough to replace what’s been lost.
Fighting in Ukraine has slowed down recently, although it remains intense. Most Russian attacks are concentrated in the Pokrovsk sector, a key logistics hub for Ukrainian forces.
US peace envoy Keith Kellogg suggested that tighter restrictions on Russia’s oil industry could pressure Moscow to negotiate. However, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov expressed dissatisfaction with Trump’s team’s reported peace proposals.
Putin reiterated his claim that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has “no right to sign any documents” in potential negotiations.