Alcoholics over 50_ _strengthening_ of Putin_s army - alcoholism is pervasive among Russian elites

Russian troops attacked in the Sumy and Kursk regions, including in the Yunakovka area. A Russian military correspondent said that Ukrainian troops counterattacked in the Andreyevka area. Analysts from the Institute for the Study of War have voiced the situation in Sumy region.
A Russian military correspondent, allegedly linked to the Northern Group of Forces, said that the Russian military command has reinforced and replenished units of the 2nd and 3rd battalions of the 30th motorized rifle regiment by arming soldiers suffering from alcoholism, over 50 years old, who had previously left their units without permission or violated military discipline. These reservists will replace the 1st battalion of the 30th motorized rifle regiment in the area of Vladimirovka and Alekseyevka. Units of the 76th and 106th Airborne Divisions of Russia are reported to be operating in the Yunakovka area. Units of the 83rd Airborne Brigade and the 137th Airborne Regiment are also operating in Sumy Oblast. Units of the 91st Engineer Regiment are operating in Sudzha District of Kursk Oblast.
Alcoholism is also believed to be pervasive among Russian elites. Independent Russian news outlet Verstka reported in June 2023 that Russian officials, politicians and businesspeople were drinking more alcohol to deal with stress. Politicians and "members of the elite" have become "more drunk" since the war in Ukraine began, the publication reported, citing people close to the Kremlin, parliament and regional authorities.
"Governors are slipping meetings and using illegal substances," one source said. "Meetings are being disrupted and people are getting drunk at events."
Russia has been labeled an “alcoholic empire” and, despite Vladimir Putin abstaining from drinking, the influence of “vodka politics” remains prevalent. Drinking in the military has been a common practice dating back to pre-modern times, as alcohol was believed to provide soldiers with “liquid courage.” Thus rations of beverages were commonly issued to the troops. Russian forces, in particular, were traditionally dispensed a “charka” of vodka since the late 18th century. However, when abused, alcohol undermines discipline and fighting power, with servicemembers becoming “more interested in the bottle than in the battle.”
The Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022 revealed a severe problem of drunkenness among the ranks, prompting authorities to impose bans on alcohol sales in some occupied territories. However, these measures proved insufficient to curb the issue.