Norway’s Defense Chief Eirik Kristoffersen has expressed surprise at the quality of the Russian military’s performance in the ongoing war in Ukraine.Speaking on “UkraineDodden,” Kristoffersen stated that initial expectations of a modern Russian military were quickly dispelled as thay reverted to older, quantity-over-quality doctrines. This assessment comes nearly three years after the full-scale war began, highlighting the unexpected weaknesses exposed in Putin’s army. Kristoffersen cautions against underestimating Russia’s war machinery, despite admitting surprise at early setbacks suffered by Russian forces.

The conflict in Ukraine, now approaching its third year, has prompted a reassessment of Russia’s military capabilities. Initial assumptions of a technologically advanced and highly efficient fighting force have given way to a more nuanced understanding of their strengths and weaknesses. Kristoffersen’s remarks underscore this shift in perception, highlighting the unexpected challenges faced by the Russian military.

Despite this assessment, Kristoffersen cautions against underestimating Russia’s war machinery. However, he admitted his surprise at the early setbacks suffered by Russian forces. the huge losses they took in the beginning,which were based on poor military​ crafts,I did not expect. I thought they had come further, Kristoffersen said.

The interview with Kristoffersen can be heard in its entirety on “Ukrainpodden.”

Quantity Over Quality: Russia’s Strategy

While the russian military may have shown unexpected shortcomings in quality, they have compensated by leveraging quantity. According to an estimate from the international Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) in early January, Russian forces have suffered staggering losses, with approximately 172,000 soldiers killed and 611,000 injured during the full-scale war.

The reliance on sheer numbers, while potentially effective in certain scenarios, comes at a significant cost.The staggering casualty figures reported by the IISS underscore the human toll of this strategy, raising questions about its long-term sustainability and its impact on Russian society.

Kristoffersen emphasized the severity of the situation along the front lines. The situation is serious along the front. Ukraine defends himself with what they can, and then they need support quickly to keep the front lines. Russia is pushing, but at a very large cost, he stated.

The interview with the Defense Chief is available for viewing.

Political Shifts and the Impact on Soldiers

The political landscape surrounding the conflict is also evolving, notably with the potential shift in U.S. policy under President Donald Trump. Kristoffersen noted that thes political developments can affect the morale and mindset of soldiers on the ground. This also characterizes soldiers, you should be aware of that. This is a completely existential struggle,so I think it is indeed very critically crucial that we are very clear that we should support Ukraine in the short,medium and long term, Kristoffersen said,underscoring the importance of continued and unwavering support for ukraine.

The potential for changes in U.S.foreign policy adds another layer of complexity to the conflict. The uncertainty surrounding future levels of support from key allies can have a tangible impact on the morale and resolve of Ukrainian soldiers, highlighting the interconnectedness of political and military factors in this conflict.

Norway’s Potential for Increased support

Amidst discussions about Europe taking greater responsibility for its own security and potential negotiations with Russia, Kristoffersen suggested that Norway could consider increasing its material contributions from its own reserves.

We have always taken a risk when it comes to our own defense, where we have calculated what we can donate based on how long it takes to get the material back from the industry, Kristoffersen explained. He also noted that Russia’s forces in northern regions have been tapped for resources to support the war in Ukraine.

Kristoffersen concluded by stating, So the calculations we can go up again and see if there is even more we can donate from our own warehouses, if we know that we will be given it. This indicates a willingness to reassess Norway’s contributions and possibly provide further assistance to Ukraine.

In a recent analysis,the Chief of Defense has shed light on a notable shift in Russia’s military behavior in Ukraine over the past three years. The core of this analysis centers on Russia’s apparent prioritization of quantity over quality in its approach to the conflict.

Norway’s Defense Chief is raising concerns about a significant shift in Russian military strategy.Eirik kristoffersen warns that Russia is now prioritizing quantity over quality in its military operations, a strategic adjustment that demands a re-evaluation of defense approaches and international cooperation. This shift, observed in early 2025, necessitates NATO allies to strengthen their collective security measures and adapt to the evolving nature of modern warfare. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine, now entering its fourth year, underscores the urgency of these adaptations.

Kristoffersen emphasizes that maintaining NATO’s solidarity is paramount in effectively addressing this evolving approach to warfare. The situation in Ukraine, marked by significant disruptions after three years of conflict, underscores the urgency of adapting defense strategies. The conflict, which began in 2022, has forced a global reassessment of military preparedness and the balance between technological superiority and sheer numbers on the battlefield.

The core of the concern lies in Russia’s apparent decision to bolster its forces with increased personnel and weaponry, even if it means potentially compromising on the sophistication of those resources. kristoffersen articulated the need for a balanced approach: “We still have to focus on quality, but then we also need more people, and so does the Armed Forces now. But we should not do it in a way that makes the quality fall.” This statement highlights the delicate balancing act required to enhance both the size and effectiveness of the armed forces without sacrificing crucial technological advantages.

This strategic recalibration involves not only increasing personnel but also investing in advanced weaponry. Kristoffersen elaborated,”We will focus on long -range weapons that have precision,but then we also have to focus on mass.” This dual focus aims to ensure both accuracy and the capacity to engage effectively across a wide range of scenarios. The emphasis on long-range precision weapons highlights the importance of technological advancements in modern defense strategies.

The shift towards prioritizing quantity by Russia raises concerns about the nature of modern warfare and the resources required to maintain a credible defense.The Chief of Defense’s analysis serves as a call to action for NATO allies to strengthen their collective security measures. This includes not only increasing military spending but also fostering greater cooperation and coordination among member states.

Kristoffersen believes that a larger defense force is essential. This involves a strategic allocation of resources to ensure that the armed forces are adequately equipped and staffed to meet current and future challenges. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine serves as a stark reminder of the evolving nature of warfare and the need for constant adaptation. Kristoffersen’s insights provide a valuable framework for understanding the challenges and opportunities facing NATO and its allies in the years to come.

Norway’s Defense Chief, Eirik Kristoffersen, has issued a stark warning regarding Russia’s nuclear rhetoric and its implications for the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Kristoffersen underscored the necessity of taking these threats seriously while concurrently maintaining support for Ukraine to prevent further escalation. His comments come amid growing concerns about the evolving nature of warfare, particularly the increasing reliance on drone technology by both sides. The international community remains on high alert as tensions continue to simmer in Eastern Europe.

The use of drones has emerged as a critical component of modern warfare, offering both offensive and reconnaissance capabilities. Though, Kristoffersen pointed out a significant challenge: the cost-effectiveness of countering these drones. He cautioned against using expensive air defense missiles to target relatively inexpensive drones, drawing on Ukraine’s experience as a cautionary tale. This economic dimension of modern conflict is becoming increasingly important.

Kristoffersen stated, We must avoid, as Ukraine also experienced in the beginning, that, to put it simply, you shoot sparrows with cannon. We can’t use missiles to shoot down the drones. As then you end up where Ukraine is now with an industrial war where it is indeed about who manages to deliver as much effect as possible ten lowest price. This highlights the need for innovative and economical solutions to neutralize drone threats. The progress of effective and affordable counter-drone technologies is now a pressing priority for defense strategists worldwide.

Russia’s Nuclear Posturing

The Intelligence Service’s annual threat assessment highlights Russia’s strategy of using nuclear threats to deter Western countries from providing military assistance to Ukraine. This tactic aims to create a climate of fear and uncertainty, potentially influencing policy decisions and limiting support for Ukraine. The assessment underscores the importance of maintaining a strong and unified front against such intimidation tactics.

Kristoffersen emphasized the gravity of this threat, stating:

It is a real threat with a high threshold for using, as it is disastrous about being used. We must constantly take into account that we are dealing with a nuclear power. So we must, by all means, avoid the war in Ukraine escalating to a third world war.

However, he also stressed that these threats should not paralyze efforts to support Ukraine.Kristoffersen believes that increasing support for Ukraine is crucial to preventing further escalation of the conflict. Finding the right balance between deterrence and de-escalation remains a key challenge for international policymakers.

At the same time, we must not be intimidated from supporting Ukraine. thus, it is indeed quite obvious to me that we must increase the support of Ukraine, also to prevent escalation of the conflict. I think we have gradually found out that balance there. But it is clear that it has an effect when Russia threatens the nuclear weapons, Kristoffersen added, acknowledging the delicate balance between deterring aggression and avoiding actions that could be perceived as escalatory.This nuanced approach is essential for navigating the complex geopolitical landscape.