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"In the Russian army – just like in the Soviet Army and then Russian armies historically – junior soldiers are treated very badly," he said noting it is a consistent mentality at every level in the Russian ranks.

"They use a very strict discipline that's enforced by very severe punishments in order to maintain cohesion of a fighting force," he said.

"When you go out into combat, it requires initiative and understanding on the part of your soldiers to achieve the objectives against difficult odds – they just don't have that mindset," Ryan continued. "They don't have that training.