Putin's War Plans in Peril: Newly Formed Russian Airborne Division Suffers 'Exceptionally Heavy Losses'

A new division within the Russian airborne forces, the VDV, reportedly suffered “exceptionally heavy losses” and “failed” to meet expectations.

The 104th Guards Airborne Division made its debut on the Ukrainian battleground in the Kherson region, an area partially occupied by Russian forces, but it reportedly faced difficulties in its first engagement.

In November, Ukrainian forces successfully secured multiple bridgeheads on the eastern bank of the Dnipro River, a region that had unofficially become the southern frontline for several months.

The 104 GAD was reportedly assigned the task of disrupting these positions. However, a recent intelligence briefing from the British Ministry of Defence disclosed that the division experienced substantial losses and was unable to accomplish its mission.

The British Ministry of Defence noted: “In early December 2023, the newly-formed 104th Guards Airborne Division of the VDV highly likely suffered exceptionally heavy losses and failed to achieve its objectives during its combat debut in Kherson Oblast.”

According to reports, the 104 GAD faced challenges such as insufficient airpower and artillery support, coupled with the deployment of inexperienced troops.

Military.news reported that the division encountered hurdles in its inaugural combat mission and fell short of its objectives.

Colonel General Mikhail Teplinsky, the commander of the 104 GAD, is considered one of the more capable field officers in the war. However, following the reported failures of the unit, there have been calls, particularly from Russian military bloggers and war commentators, for Teplinsky's removal, Express reported.

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Earlier assessments by the British Ministry of Defence expressed doubts about the training and capabilities of the 104 GAD, suggesting that it may not have met the high standards of the elite VDV.

The news of the division’s defeat in southern Ukraine coincided with Russian President Vladimir Putin's four-hour Q&A event on Dec. 14, during which multiple disgruntled citizens confronted Putin about the ongoing conflict.