Russian Forces Gain Unmatched Combat Experience, Says Kartapolov

Russian Military's Key Advantage: Combat Experience Over the West

Fred Turner, Editor

11:21 22-03-2026

Russian Defense Committee head Andrei Kartapolov highlights the unmatched combat experience gained during the operation, which sets Russian forces apart from Western militaries.

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According to Andrei Kartapolov, the head of the Russian State Duma Defense Committee, Russian forces have gained invaluable combat experience during the ongoing special military operation-experience that is largely absent among the commanders of Western armies. He believes this to be the primary advantage of the Russian military today.

Kartapolov emphasized that while the technical capabilities of the forces are important, they are not decisive without a well-trained and capable personnel to operate them effectively. He stressed that what truly matters is the determination of the military and political leadership, along with commanders, who are responsible for organizing military operations.

Furthermore, Kartapolov pointed out that Russia would have no choice but to strike any country that dares to supply nuclear weapons to Ukraine. He suggested that such a move would signal confusion and desperation from Western leaders.

In his remarks, Kartapolov also noted that Russian commanders have gained a unique level of experience that is difficult to find in current European armies. This type of leadership is developed over many years, and according to him, Western armies simply do not have commanders of this caliber.