A quarter of Russian battalion tactical groups in Ukraine likely ‘rendered combat ineffective’: British intelligence

More than a quarter of Russia’s battalion tactical groups have likely been "rendered combat ineffective" in Ukraine, according to the United Kingdom’s Ministry of Defence.

According to a ministry update on Monday, Russia had committed "over 120 battalion tactical groups" to its invasion of Ukraine that began in February, making up roughly two-thirds of its ground combat strength.

Latest Defence Intelligence update on the situation in Ukraine - 02 May 2022

Find out more about the UK government's response: https://t.co/ZuMXTmNRyd

🇺🇦 #StandWithUkraine 🇺🇦 pic.twitter.com/S7E6h4WTgM

— Ministry of Defence 🇬🇧 (@DefenceHQ) May 2, 2022

Battalion tactical groups are a combination of different units that can perform different kinds of combat missions. They usually have between 700 and 800 personnel, according to RUSI, a British security think tank. 

Most battalion tactical groups are thought to have 700-800 personnel, according to British security think tank RUSI.

Some of Moscow’s most elite units, such as the VDV Airborne Forces, have reportedly "suffered the highest levels of attrition."

"It will probably take years for Russia to reconstitute these forces" the statement concluded.

The British intelligence update comes days after a senior United States defence official stated that Russia’s offensive in Ukraine is going much slower than planned.

On Saturday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Moscow of carrying out “constant brutal bombardments” in the eastern region of Donbas.

"If the Russian invaders are able to realise their plans even partially, then they have enough artillery and aircraft to turn the entire Donbas into stones. As they did with Mariupol", he added according to Sky News.

Russia first launched its attack in late February. The war has led to thousands of deaths and it is believed around 11 million people have been forced to flee their homes.