Mr Gulyaev studied the procurements made by the Russian military in the year leading up to the war and discovered a complete lack of investment in new equipment for an army ostensibly preparing for war.

For the year 2021, only 421 pieces of new equipment were delivered to the entire Russian army across its three branches – the infantry, the airforce and the navy.

Since the invasion in February 2022, Russia has lost over 3,000 tanks and around 600 helicopters and fighter jets.

By way of comparison, when he was serving in the Soviet army for the 45th Guards motorised division, its entire inventory of tanks was completely renewed twice during the course of several years.

The lack of investment in the military is being felt on a daily basis by Russian troops on the frontlines.

The former Lt. Colonel is in regular contact with friends fighting in Ukraine for Putin’s army. One senior officer who is apart of reconnaissance unit told him he was give ten armoured vehicles for his soldiers.

Of these only five were road worthy, while the other five were not fit for purpose – meaning 50 percent of his equipment could not be used. The officer said that no maintenance or repair work had been carried out prior to his arrival, nor had they since received deliveries of spare parts or new equipment.