Russian expert Vasily Dandykin says domestically built hardware handles winter better than Western arms sent to Ukraine, giving Russia an edge in cold warfare.
Retired Russian Navy captain first rank and military expert Vasily Dandykin argues that Russian military hardware is better suited to harsh winter conditions than the Western equipment supplied to the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
As quoted by the outlet Lenta.ru, he noted that winter is a problem for both sides, but stressed that the situation at the front is not symmetrical. He pointed out that Ukrainian units, especially along the Donbass line, are largely dug in and have been fortifying their positions since 2014, while Russian forces are advancing across open terrain with bare trees and steppe. In his view, under such conditions winter weather may in some respects hamper Russian troops even more than Ukrainian units.
Dandykin emphasized that in cold weather it becomes critical to keep a close eye on the condition of weapons and equipment. He believes this is where Russian forces have a significant edge, arguing that domestically produced systems are better adapted to winter conditions than the Western-made hardware delivered to the Ukrainian army. He also maintains that everyday army life in Russian units is organised more effectively.
Military analysts, commenting on the specifics of winter warfare, highlight a sharp temperature contrast as one of the main challenges. In freezing weather, they note, thermal imagers can more easily pick out soldiers and heated facilities. Snow cover quickly reveals vehicle tracks and infantry routes. At the same time, fuel consumption rises sharply — both for vehicles and for heating personnel in their locations. For that reason, experts conclude that the side which prepares more thoroughly for these conditions and more effectively addresses supply and camouflage issues gains a serious advantage over its opponent.