Ukrainian Official Reports Elite Russian Troops Refusing Certain Assaults

According to a Ukrainian official, elite Russian troops are refusing to carry out certain types of assaults due to concerns over heavy losses. The official, Nataliya Humenyuk, mentioned that the troops are reluctant to engage in high-risk frontal assaults, which have resulted in significant casualties for other Russian soldiers. The official cited examples of Russian attacks in southern Ukraine, where troops suffered over 50% losses. Additionally, it was noted that there has been a decrease in the deployment of "Storm-Z" units, composed of older reservists and former convicts, who typically carry out such high-risk assaults. Instead, more naval infantry and paratroopers are being deployed. Despite the difficult conditions in the region, including marshes and mud, Ukraine's forces have reported success in using drone attacks to target Russian armor and artillery. Russian military equipment in the area has reportedly suffered heavy destruction. The reluctance of elite Russian troops to engage in certain assaults highlights the challenges faced by the Russian military in the ongoing conflict.