BLUF
Russia increasingly relies on irregular formations— making up nearly 40% of deployed forces in Ukraine. This hybrid model extends Moscow’s warfighting capacity while undermining professionalism, complicating deterrence, and posing enduring post-war risks.Learning Outcomes:
- Understand how irregular formations expand manpower without formal mobilization while masking Russia’s true casualty figures.
- Analyse the operational risks created by fractured command structures and eroded professionalism within hybrid forces.
- Recognise the long-term security challenges posed by irregulars persisting as mercenaries, spoilers, or shadow security actors beyond the Ukraine conflict.
