"Officer Shortages and Failed Counteroffensive: Challenges for Russian and Ukrainian Militaries"
Both the Russian and Ukrainian militaries are facing a shortage of junior officers, hindering their ability to effectively lead large forces in battle. This issue has long plagued Russia and is now impacting Ukraine's military as it expands. The lack of trained officers is limiting the scale at which offensive action can be synchronized, and Ukraine's headquarters units are struggling to control the troops under their command. As a result, Ukraine has shifted to smaller, bite-and-hold attacks. Russia, on the other hand, is holding a defensive position but still faces challenges due to a lack of officers. Both countries may be caught in a cycle where a shortage of officers leads to less effective command and control, resulting in increased casualties and the need to deploy more inexperienced officers and soldiers.