ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on the people aspect of the physical component of the fighting power, illustrating the numerous groups of combatants fighting for both sides. While both sides were characterised by different groups with varied training and experience, the cohesion of the troops differed, primarily due to the respective leadership approaches of Ukraine and Russia, and the extent to which Ukraine had moved away from Soviet military culture, while the Russian military remained largely Soviet in organisational culture and performance. The chapter describes different units within the Ukrainian Armed Forces (UAF) and Russian Armed Forces. On the Ukrainian side, Territorial Defence Forces, volunteer battalions, Special Operations Forces (SOF), foreign legions and national battalions are discussed. On the Russian side, the conventional armed forces, Wagner PMC and ethnic battalions are described. Differences between the Ukrainian and the Russian organisational cultures and approaches to training are also discussed.
