Images of Russian trucks say much about its military's struggles in Ukraine - CNN

Images of Russian trucks say much about its military's struggles in Ukraine - CNN

... All these problems only exacerbate the problems facing Moscow in what is already an uphill struggle for its forces given the distances involved.

Trucks can usually operate up to 90 miles (145 kilometers) from their supply depot, Telenko points out.

But Ukraine is about the size of Texas, almost 800 miles (1,287 kilometers) wide and 350 miles (563 kilometers) long.

That means Russia would need to open numerous supply depots inside Ukraine for its troops to advance farther into Ukraine's interior.

With Moscow already pulling back under fierce Ukrainian resistance that seems like a tall order. Russia is already thought to have lost a substantial number of trucks.

Building more to replace them could take at least six months, Telenko estimates, by which time more losses would be likely.

"I don't see how the Russians can maintain their current positions, let alone make any offensive moves with their current truck fleet," he says.

"Trucks are the backbone of any modern mechanized military force, and if you don't have them you walk."