As the conflict in Ukraine continues, Russia has turned to volunteer fighters from the National Army Combat Reserve (BARS) to supplement its regular forces and plug gaps in military operations. The recent withdrawal of Russian forces from the town of Balakliia in eastern Ukraine exposed the role of these volunteer fighters, who found themselves ill-equipped and unsupported during combat operations.
The BARS force, comprising several thousand fighters, is a loosely assembled group deployed by Russia’s defense ministry to bolster its presence in Ukraine. While the exact number of BARS fighters remains undisclosed by Russia, estimates suggest their contribution ranges from 10,000 to 30,000 men out of a larger force of approximately 200,000 operating in or near Ukraine.
A rare glimpse into the operations of a BARS unit came through approximately four hours of footage obtained by Reuters from a bodycam worn by one of the fighters during the defense of Balakliia. Military experts who reviewed the video highlighted the unit’s lack of heavy weaponry, malfunctioning communications, and confusion in coordination with regular military forces.
The video footage revealed the challenges faced by the BARS unit, including a shortage of air support and the overwhelming firepower of Ukrainian forces. Despite their dedication and patriotism, the volunteer fighters found themselves outgunned and outnumbered during engagements with Ukrainian troops.
The deployment of BARS units in combat marks a significant development, as these irregular forces were originally established in 2015 but had not seen active combat until the invasion of Ukraine. While Russian President Vladimir Putin has praised the contributions of BARS fighters, questions remain about the effectiveness and training of these volunteer forces.
Military analysts noted that while BARS units provide additional manpower for Russia’s operations in Ukraine, they may lack the professionalism and training of regular military forces. Nevertheless, these volunteer fighters serve a crucial role in augmenting Russia’s military presence and alleviating pressure on its regular forces.
The experiences of the BARS unit in Balakliia underscore the challenges faced by volunteer fighters thrust into combat situations. Despite their best efforts, they found themselves inadequately prepared to confront the realities of warfare, highlighting the complexities of Russia’s military strategy in Ukraine.
As the conflict enters its third year, the role of volunteer fighters like those in the BARS force continues to evolve, reflecting Russia’s broader approach to sustaining its operations in Ukraine amidst international scrutiny and ongoing geopolitical tensions.
Sources By Agencies
