According to a recent report on Lianta.com, Victor Baranitz, a retired Russian colonel, wrote on the website of the Communist Youth League Pravda that changes in weather conditions are of great significance and can directly affect operational tactics and the mobility of troops and military equipment. Baranetz believes that the coming of winter will help Russian armed forces destroy NATO weapons in Ukraine. Baranitz explained that, first of all, muddy roads will seriously reduce the mobility of wheeled equipment; Secondly, low temperatures may cause fuel and oil related failures. He said that the trafficability of Western tracked equipment, such as Germany's PzH-2000 howitzer or France's "Caesar" self-propelled howitzer, was not stronger than that of wheeled equipment. The expert said: "Most of the artillery and rocket systems provided by NATO to Ukraine are wheeled equipment. Muddy black land or thick snow will create problems for them." He also said that in summer, it took two minutes for the United States' highly maneuverable rocket system ("Hippocampus") to leave the position after firing, while in winter it took twice as long as in summer. Baranitz said that rain and snow will cause serious difficulties for reconnaissance and attack of UAVs. He concluded: "All previous war experiences have shown that Russian troops and weapons are more resistant to cold... However, these weapons and equipment of NATO and mercenaries coming for short-term operations are difficult to adapt to our winter." (Outlook New Times)