The UK Defense Ministry has released new intelligence indicating that the Russian military is grappling with a severe mental health crisis, which goes beyond the usual material challenges such as lack of ammunition.
According to the British defense authorities, Russian psychologists diagnosed approximately 100,000 military personnel with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as of December 2022.
The report suggests that this number has likely increased, given the Russian military's failure to provide adequate rotation and rest for its troops.
Several Russian commanders have highlighted the issue, including Major General Ivan Popov, who was in charge of Russia's 58th army until he was dismissed in July. Popov claimed that his firing was a result of accusing the Russian Defense Ministry of betraying its soldiers by not providing enough support.
The UK Defense Ministry's intelligence also indicates that Russian doctors are sending military personnel unfit for combat to the front lines. This lack of concern for soldiers' mental well-being is causing Russia's combat effectiveness to remain suboptimal.
The report underscores the Russian military's struggle with mental health, which is affecting its ability to effectively engage in combat.
This adds another layer of complexity to the ongoing conflict, as it's not just about weapons and strategy, but also the well-being of the soldiers involved.
