Russia has successfully rebuilt its army almost entirely after the damages it sustained from its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, despite previous estimates by the Pentagon and U.S. allies in Europe. Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell made this assessment during an event at the Center for a New American Security (CNAS). This statement contrasts with Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin’s estimation that 315,000 Russian soldiers were killed in the conflict. The Pentagon has reported that Russia has suffered significant losses on the battlefield, but Campbell’s remarks suggest a different reality.
According to Campbell, a key element of Russia’s military reconstruction has been support from countries like Iran, North Korea, and China. An anonymous American official revealed that China has played a role in assisting Russia in rebuilding its defense industry base, potentially fueling increased trade between the two nations. This collaboration has enabled Russia to replenish its military forces, particularly through the supply of tanks and armored vehicles to the front lines. An analysis by the International Institute for Strategic Studies detailed these efforts.
Russia’s significant rearmament efforts have shifted the country to a wartime economy, with a defense budget projected to soar to approximately 6% of GDP in 2024. President Vladimir Putin announced the creation of over 520,000 new jobs in the Russian military industry, reflecting a substantial investment in defense infrastructure. Russia’s defense budget is forecasted to surpass its social budget in the near future, highlighting the nation’s commitment to bolstering its military capabilities.
On the other hand, Ukraine continues to rely heavily on Western aid for essential supplies such as artillery shells, exposing vulnerabilities in its military readiness. While the U.S. has provided substantial support to Ukraine, production limitations have hindered their ability to meet their shell demands. Russia’s widespread defense production capacity stands in stark contrast to Ukraine’s challenges in securing critical military resources due
