Ukraine has destroyed Russia's military reputation

The determination and ingenuity of the Ukrainians, with the support of their partners and against the backdrop of the staggering incompetence of the Russian military leadership, have undermined Russia's reputation.

This was stated by Ian Stubbs, Senior Military Adviser to the British delegation to the OSCE, during a meeting of the Forum for Security Cooperation, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

"With the support of its partners, Ukraine has demonstrated that agility and ingenuity can have a devastating effect against the so-called superpower," the British military diplomat said.

According to him, in recent weeks, the huge losses suffered by Russia near Bakhmut "seem to have had a significant impact" and the Russian offensive "seems to have stalled", while Russian forces "urgently need to replenish personnel and ammunition".

Stubbs pointed out that about 30,000 Russian soldiers have been killed or wounded since the battle for Bakhmut began nine months ago, while the invading forces have "advanced only 25 kilometers" in that time.

"No matter how hard they try to present an alternative reality with increasingly ridiculous disinformation, the staggering level of incompetence of the Russian military leadership, which has undermined Russia's military reputation, is obvious to all," the British representative emphasized.

He also pointed out that in February, Russian multi-purpose tracked armored vehicles MTLB of Soviet production were spotted in eastern Ukraine, "modified with old naval turrets and guns still painted in naval colors."

"These Stalin-era naval weapon systems, the 60-year-old T-62 main battle tanks, and the vintage BTR-50 armored personnel carriers that Russia is using in Ukraine are a true demonstration of the type of 'high technical performance' for which the Russian military and defense industry is known," Stubbs said.

According to him, in return, Britain provided Kyiv with modern artillery systems, air defense systems, and anti-tank ammunition "to help Ukraine defend itself against Russia's brutal and indiscriminate attacks."

"The UK was the first country to provide Ukraine with modern main battle tanks - and we are grateful to all our Allies who have done the same. The Challenger 2 main battle tanks are a step forward in the development of the capabilities of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, equipped with some of the most modern and advanced artillery systems in the world," said Stubbs.

Author - Serhii Kolomiets, 30/03/2023