In a bewildering move that has raised eyebrows, the Liberty of Russia Legion, a group of pro-Ukrainian Russians, has once again initiated a cross-border raid into Russia. This time, the legionnaires raced into the town of Sudzha, leaving many questioning their strategic objectives. While they successfully eliminated a couple of T-62 tanks, took prisoners, and even downed a Russian attack helicopter, experts argue that such actions are a regrettable waste of valuable military resources.

Simultaneous to the Sudzha incursion, Ukrainian brigades in the eastern town of Niu-York were forced to retreat as they faced mounting pressure from a well-equipped enemy. Ukrainian forces reported encountering significant resistance from a large infantry presence, backed by relentless air and artillery fire. Although the Ukrainian army's 41st and 53rd Mechanized Brigades put up a staunch defense, they would undeniably benefit from additional reinforcements to hold their ground against the advancing Russian attackers.

Interestingly, the Liberty of Russia Legion, currently engrossed in their exploits in Sudzha, could have easily diverted their troops to bolster the defending forces in Niu-York. Instead, their attention appears focused on collecting Russian prisoners in a border town that is unlikely to remain under Ukrainian control in the long run. Such a move raises questions about the motives and strategic planning behind the legion's actions.

The Russian air force wasted no time in retaliating against the Legion, employing Sukhoi Su-25 attack jets to bombard their forces. Russian reserves have also been reportedly mobilizing, indicating a growing escalation of the conflict. This alarming cycle is not new, as pro-Ukrainian Russian fighters have repeatedly conducted similar raids into Russia during the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. However, none of these incursions have resulted in Ukraine securing any new territory.

Experts believe that the Legion's hasty withdrawal from Sudzha is imminent. Ultimately, their cross-border raid will become a mere footnote in the broader narrative of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. A more strategic use of their resources would have been to support the defending forces in Niu-York, where the dense urban environment and a determined enemy pose significant challenges.

It remains unclear who authorized the Sudzha raid and what the intended goals were. While the Liberty of Russia Legion is said to answer to the Ukrainian intelligence directorate in Kyiv, their autonomy in planning operations may have played a role. Speculation suggests that their motives might be more politically driven, aimed at gaining propaganda points by "invading" Russia.

However, the raid highlights a crucial issue that Ukrainian authorities seem to have overlooked - a severe shortage of well-trained infantry. This shortage has resulted from Ukraine's failure to pass a mobilization law in a timely manner, while Russia undertook its own extensive mobilization efforts last year. The delay in enacting the mobilization law has hindered Ukraine from strengthening its frontline positions and reducing territorial losses.

Analysts emphasize that mobilizing more troops earlier would have undoubtedly improved Ukraine's position on the front lines. Currently, there are glaring infantry shortages across many units, leaving Ukraine without sufficient frontline and reserve troops. In light of this urgent situation, it is unforgivable for any Ukrainian or pro-Ukrainian commanders to risk lives on a raid that, at best, offers only temporary propaganda value.

The hundreds of legionnaires involved in the Sudzha incursion should have been deployed to support the defense efforts in the east, rather than engaging in ventures further north. As the war rages on, it is crucial for Ukrainian forces to prioritize their limited resources and address the pressing needs on the frontlines, rather than engaging in potentially futile and counterproductive actions.