Russia is 'going backwards' in equipment and deploying post WWII-era tanks, according to Western officials
Title: Russia Reverting to Post-WWII Era Tanks, Says Western Officials; WSJ Journalist Denied Detention Appeal in Moscow
Russia appears to be ‘going backwards’ in terms of military equipment, deploying post-World War II era tanks, according to Western officials. This observation comes amid a backdrop of political tension, highlighted by the continued incarceration of Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, who was recently denied a detention appeal in Moscow.
The announcement of Russia’s alleged regression in military technology was made following President Vladimir Putin’s visit to Russian troops stationed at their military headquarters in Kherson. Western officials’ reports suggest that the country’s armed forces are employing tanks that date back to the post-World War II era.
While the precise reasons for this apparent backward step are unclear, defense analysts suggest it might be due to budget constraints, logistical issues, or even a strategic decision based on the terrain or the specific requirements of a given mission.
“The use of these older tanks could be a reflection of the economic pressures Russia is under,” suggested Robert Lee, a defense analyst at King’s College London. “But it could also be part of a broader strategic decision, taking into account the capabilities of the enemy and the nature of the terrain.”
Meanwhile, the continued imprisonment of Evan Gershkovich, a journalist for the Wall Street Journal, is exacerbating tensions between Russia and the West. Gershkovich was arrested in Moscow under accusations of espionage, charges which he and his employers vehemently deny.
Gershkovich’s case recently took a turn for the worse when his appeal for release was denied by a Moscow court. The verdict was delivered in a tense courtroom, where Gershkovich made his appearance in a cage, a common practice in Russian courts for defendants accused of serious crimes.
The U.S. State Department has condemned Gershkovich’s detention, labeling it as an “unacceptable attack on press freedom.” A spokesperson for the Wall Street Journal described the charges against Gershkovich as “baseless,” and called for his immediate release.
“The charges against Evan are baseless. He is a dedicated and professional reporter who has always conducted himself with the utmost integrity,” a spokesperson for the Wall Street Journal said. “We call on the Russian authorities to release him immediately.”
The controversy surrounding Gershkovich’s detention and the alleged regression in Russian military technology come at a time of strained relations between Russia and the West.
The recent deployment of Russian troops along the Ukraine border has raised concerns of a potential military escalation in the region. Western officials, including U.S. President Joe Biden, have warned Russia of “severe costs” if it invades Ukraine.
In this tense context, the deployment of outdated tanks might be seen as a sign of weakness, but some analysts warn against underestimating Russia’s military capabilities.
“While it’s true that these older tanks might lack the advanced technology of their modern counterparts, they are still formidable weapons,” said Lee. “Russia’s military might should not be underestimated.”
In the midst of geopolitical tensions, the focus remains on the plight of Gershkovich, whose case symbolizes the ongoing struggle for press freedom in Russia. His continued detention serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by journalists working in an increasingly hostile environment.
As the world watches closely, the situation in Russia continues to unfold, with implications not only for the country’s military capabilities but also for the broader issues of press freedom and international relations.
