Money quote: "U.S. analysts have been struck by the “risk-averse behavior” of such a large force"
History rhyming. This has always been Russia's problem. They don't treat their citizens like citizens and so the citizens don't fight like citizens. It is widely believed that Russia could have won WWI in days, instead of losing in years had they had a competent and committed fighting force, given their superior numbers and positions relative to Germany's eastern flank. But they faced the same problem then that they do now: unreliable equipment, commanders who bought their positions, lack of reliable supply chains, and above all a fighting force that is there because they'd be shot if they refused.