The Bunker – News without the nonsense Is the Russian military really as powerful as we’re told?
Feb 17, 2026
Shashank Joshi, defence editor at The Economist, offers sharp analysis of Russia’s transformed army and recruitment tactics. He discusses how the original force was degraded, the rise of dismounted infantry and drones, and the role of money powering mobilisation. NATO’s changing command and Europe’s defence industrial needs also feature in the conversation.
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Russia's Army Has Been Remade
- The Russian army that invaded in 2022 was effectively destroyed and replaced over time.
- Current fighting relies on small dismounted infantry and drones, reducing the value of massed tanks.
Intelligence Failures Fueled The Invasion
- The FSB misread Ukraine and expected a swift political collapse rather than high-intensity war.
- The security services remain powerful and have been purging parts of the military and defence ministry.
High Casualties But Fast Replenishment
- Russian battlefield casualties are enormous, likely hundreds of thousands killed or wounded.
- Despite losses, Russia has been recruiting tens of thousands of new soldiers per month to replenish forces.