Moscow uses experience of war with Ukraine to train generals

The Russian army has a significant number of officers who have gained combat experience in the war with Ukraine. They will be used to train future generals.

This was reported by the UK Ministry of Defense on X (Twitter).

As noted in the report, a new recruitment of Russian officers began at the Russian General Staff Academy on December 1, 2023. The Russian Defense Ministry said that more than 60% of them have combat experience. Although this is not specified, most likely gained this experience in Ukraine since 2022.

According to British intelligence, people who study at the academy usually have a rank between major and major general (equivalent to a one-star general in the NATO system) and are singled out as having potential for senior command.

While many of the specialists, such as pilots, have been deployed in operations in Syria, the war in Ukraine means that combat experience is now more common among Russian mid-level officers, the report said.

"Over the coming years, this generation is likely to exert major influence over the future direction of Russia’s military and whether it implements lessons learned from the war in Ukraine," the British Ministry of Defense said.

Author – Anastasiya Glotova, 07/12/2023