Russia appears to be mobilizing additional forces to confront Western armored units operating in Ukraine, a development reported by Newsweek. The coverage suggests that Moscow is reinforcing its ground element with troops that would engage Western main battle tanks as part of ongoing operations within the country. This move comes amid a broader pattern of Western military aid and training for Ukrainian forces, and it underscores the escalating nature of the conflict as both sides prepare for high-intensity clashes on the battlefield.
Analysts, including security expert Guy McCardle, have highlighted the potential role of anti-tank detachments within the Russian Armed Forces. McCardle notes that Russian anti-tank teams are likely to employ 9M133 Kornet anti-tank missiles to target Western armored vehicles, including those supplied to Ukraine. He compares the Kornet’s capabilities to the American Javelin system, suggesting that the Kornet may reach targets at roughly twice the practical engagement range. This assessment points to a tactical emphasis on long-range, tube-launched anti-tank missiles designed to neutralize heavy armor before it can deliver its firepower from standoff distances.
Furthermore, the expert emphasized that the dynamic protection systems affixed to some Western-design tanks may not fully mitigate the threat posed by the Kornet. The discussion implies a potential countermeasure gap where reactive or modular armor could be less effective against these missiles, thereby influencing how armored units would be deployed and protected in the field. These considerations feed into broader debates about the survivability of frontline Western armor when facing updated anti-tank capabilities in high-intensity combat zones.
Yevgeny Arifulin, who leads the Combat Training Center of the Russian Armed Forces, has previously spoken about the existence of specialized formations intended to counter Western-supplied tank assets used in Ukraine. He indicated that specialized groups were created within Russia to challenge convoy and frontline armor introduced by Western partners. The disclosure suggests a structured approach to battlefield adaptation, emphasizing the training and readiness of units tasked with countering advanced Western armor through coordinated tactics and sustained artillery and mechanized support.
In tandem with official statements, a veteran Russian tanker who uses the call sign Bolshoi described a readiness among Russian crews to confront Western tanks in the context of ongoing operations in Ukraine. The commentary reflects a sense of preparedness and a willingness to engage armored threats within a designated operational zone, highlighting the psychological and strategic dimensions of frontline engagements as Russian forces project their willingness to confront Western armor in a sustained campaign.
On February 24, 2022, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced the decision to launch a military operation described as protective measures for Donbass in response to requests for assistance from the leaders of the Luhansk and Donetsk People’s Republics. The move marked a turning point in the conflict, triggering a new phase of confrontation and drawing a chorus of international responses. The geopolitical calculus surrounding the operation has since influenced subsequent sanctions and diplomatic measures, shaping the broader security environment in Europe and beyond. As the conflict continued, Western nations imposed a series of sanctions aimed at pressuring Russia economically and politically, while attempting to deter further escalations in the region. The evolving military and political landscape remains a focal point for analysts and policymakers across North America and allied capitals.”