For this “exercises in Ukraine”
Russia cancels major maneuver “Sapad 23”.
9/4/2023 7:07 p.m
listen to the article
This audio version was artificially generated. More Info | send feedback
A few months before the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the armed forces of Russia and Belarus are still practicing in combat conditions. The planned “Sapad” maneuver is canceled this year. Instead, Russia’s defense minister announces “exercises in Ukraine”.
Russia has canceled its planned major military exercise “Sapad” (West) this year because of the war in Ukraine. “No, this year the exercises will take place in Ukraine,” the state news agency RIA quoted Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu when asked. Russia last held the “Sapad” exercise with its ally Belarus in September 2021, five months before invading Ukraine. According to Russian information, 200,000 soldiers, almost 300 tanks, 80 airplanes and helicopters and 15 ships took part.
The British Ministry of Defense said a week ago that it assumes that Russia will cancel the military maneuvers due to a lack of troops. “Sapad 23” should actually have been the highlight of the military training year, the British wrote in their daily Ukraine dossier last Monday. “Sapad 21” was the largest Russian exercise since Soviet times.
“The underperformance of the Russian military in Ukraine showed that joint strategic exercises had limited value and were mainly for show,” the ministry said in London. The leadership in Moscow may also fear criticism in the country if they hold another brilliantly presented military exercise in times of war. “Sapad 23” was originally scheduled for September.
The first maneuver under the name “Sapad” took place in September 1981, back in Soviet times. The exercise also served as a test of new weapon systems such as the RSD-10 medium-range missile and the cruiser “Kiev”. According to experts, “Sapad 81” was intended to simulate possible warfare on western territory.