What is the worst enemy of the Ukrainian Armed Forces?

According to National Interest, as winter arrives with its freezing temperatures, dropping below 4 degrees Celsius, the armies of both Russia and Ukraine begin preparing for a new phase of hostilities.

Temperatures below zero can negatively impact the performance of weapons and military equipment. Bullet sensitivity decreases, affecting firing accuracy and leading to increased ammunition consumption. Wear and tear on equipment also increases, battery life decreases, and more frequent maintenance and repairs are required.

The deployment and use of heavy equipment such as tanks and especially towed artillery will also be more difficult. This will directly affect the course of operations, as mobility on the battlefield is extremely important for advancing or retreating.

Winter weather can freeze the front lines. The snowy, leafless terrain of winter forces soldiers to adopt new camouflage techniques to avoid detection. Another limiting factor in winter combat is the risk of frostbite and hypothermia. Beyond physical effects, humidity and cold also negatively impact troop morale.

According to National Interest, to counter these factors, proper personnel training and the provision of appropriate weapons and equipment are crucial. This will largely determine the success of the winter campaign.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky declared that his country is ready to resume military operations into the winter. On the Russian side, leaders also indicated they are prepared for such an operation. Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu visited troops in the southern Donetsk region to inspect their combat readiness.

But for Ukraine, according to National Interest, the most serious challenge is not the cold, but the destruction of its energy infrastructure. This could severely impact military operations. For example, power outages would lead to consequences such as loss of communication and disruption of the work of field hospitals. This is why President Zelensky emphasized the need to deploy additional air defense systems to respond should Russia attack Ukraine's energy networks.

Meanwhile, the head of Ukraine's military intelligence, Kirill Budanov, stated that winter would not affect Ukraine and Russia, as both armies are accustomed to it.

In principle, rain and snow can reduce the mobility of heavy equipment such as tanks. But the Ukrainian army has proven effective when operating primarily in small infantry units with light weapons. However, analysts believe that winter will be a test of the Ukrainian army's strength.

According to National Interest, history has shown that many important battles took place in winter, such as the ancient Greek battle of Xenophon, or the wars of Alexander the Great. The Soviet Union also demonstrated its ability to successfully conduct military operations in winter. In the Battle of Stalingrad, the Soviet army fought in extremely cold temperatures, running low on ammunition and supplies, while simultaneously fending off attacks from Germany. Despite this, they turned the tide and ultimately won. The Winter War at Stalingrad left a significant mark on Russian history.

Western and Russian analysts believe that, during the winter, both sides will launch long-range attacks targeting critical infrastructure, as well as along supply routes.