 Storm-Z units are proof of extraordinary troubles in Russian Army. The fact that Storm-Z units exist in the Russian Army demonstrates Russia's challenges in forming combat infantry capable of an effective offensive. British Defence Intelligence announced this. The Ministry of Defence of the United Kingdom noted that Russia is largely continuing to rely on Storm-Z units for localised offensive operations in Ukraine. These company-sized groups were likely first deployed in 2022. Russia apparently initially intended them to be relatively elite units capable of seizing the tactical initiative. However, the Storm-Z have effectively turned into penal battalions made up of convicts and regular army personnel subject to disciplinary action since, at least, the spring of 2023. Numerous reports indicate that these units are given the lowest priority in terms of logistical and medical support while they have often received orders to attack United Kingdom analysts said. The Ministry stated that Russian troops have often conducted effective defence, but the very existence of Storm-Z reveals the extraordinary challenges Russia faces in creating a combat infantry capable of performing effective offensive operations. On the 22nd of October, UK Defence Intelligence estimated that Russia's losses in terms of killed and seriously injured amounted to up to 190,000 and up to 290,000, including the injured who can return to the battlefield after recovery.