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Russia’s winter offensive in Ukraine is a failure. Little or no progress on the ground and huge losses of soldiers and military equipment means that Russia is taking action. The German newspaper Bild reports that the electricity has been switched off in several Russian prisons. This is done in an attempt to get more prisoners to volunteer for service at the front. In several places in Russia it is very cold this winter.

The prisoners are sent to the meat grinder

The Russian prisoners are lured with freedom if they survive half a year at the front. Few survive. The prisoners are sent straight into the front line without significant training. Russia is proven to use them in an attempt to mount a small offensive. A prisoner’s life probably matters less to Putin. The rumor about the conditions at the front and the number of prisoners killed means that it is now more difficult to recruit volunteers from the prisons in Russia. Turning off the heat is an attempt to freeze them into signing up.

Female prisoners from Russian prisons are also now being recruited to the front. It is clear that Russia is beginning to feel the wear and tear after nearly two years of war. A war in which they use soldiers completely proven as targets for Ukrainian positions. The hope is that some of them do some damage to the Ukrainians. Among Russian prisoners, the front line has long been called the meat grinder.

An offensive before the presidential election

The winter offensive to Russia has been unsuccessful so far and there is very little indication that they will make any progress. The attempt to force prisoners to the front is a desperate ploy. Putin would like to have something to show before the presidential election in Russia in March. Those who pay the price are the soldiers at the front who almost storm Ukrainian positions without any form of support.

Although the presidential election in Russia is an election where the result is given in advance, a little progress on the front would be something Putin would like to show off. What Russia can show for this winter is huge loss figures. But to a dictator, one life does not mean the world.

Sources:

The Suitor or Front? Putin’s ice-caller Knast-Trick | Politics | BILD.de

Thousand Soldiers tot: Putin’s Winter-Offensive scheitert | Politics | BILD.de