Russia is repositioning its elite Airborne Forces to bolster defensive fronts against Ukraine’s advancing counteroffensive. The VDV, historically an offensive unit, has suffered significant losses since the onset of the war. The shift in strategy reveals vulnerabilities in the Russian defense and a potential depletion of Russia’s elite forces over time.
  

Key Points: 

1. Russia is redirecting its elite VDV troops, traditionally used for offensive actions, to strengthen critical defensive sectors amid Ukraine’s counteroffensive.
2. The VDV, along with other elite Russian units, has experienced substantial losses in the conflict. Approximately 6.2% of total Russian military casualties in Ukraine are from the Airborne Forces.
3. Russia’s redeployment strategy may lead to a depletion of its elite forces, potentially compromising their ability to sustain intricate defensive operations or conduct large-scale offensive actions.
4. The British defense ministry estimates that nearly 50% of the 30,000 paratroopers sent to Ukraine suffered injuries or fatalities.
5. Ukraine continues its territorial reclamation strategy, making gains in occupied regions despite Russia’s intricate defensive measures, and receiving global support in its endeavors.

Source: https://sofrep.com/news/russia-deploys-elite-troops-as-ukraine-advances-in-ongoing-counteroffensive/