Has the Russian Army been significantly weakened by its involvement in the conflict in Ukraine?

 Following Finland’s recent accession to NATO, reports suggest that Russia has redeployed approximately two-thirds of its troops previously stationed along the Finnish border to support operations in Ukraine.  

This decision is particularly notable given Russia's longstanding view of NATO as its principal adversary. With Finland adding 1,300 kilometers to NATO’s shared border with Russia, one might have expected a reinforcement of Russian forces in the region. Instead, troop levels have been significantly reduced, a process that reportedly began during Finland’s NATO application.  

This development underscores the extent of the strain on Russia’s military capabilities. Beyond substantial personnel losses, Russia has also suffered the depletion of its most experienced troops, officers, and logistics specialists, leading to a significant erosion of institutional knowledge.  

Even with immediate and concerted efforts, it is estimated that rebuilding these losses could take Russia up to a decade. This situation highlights the profound challenges facing the Russian military as it grapples with the demands of a prolonged conflict.