In Ukraine, once vibrant thoroughfares bustling with the rhythm of daily life were shattered by the brutality of the first major armed conflict in Europe since the end of World War II.
The Ministry of Defence of Ukraine estimates Russian hardware losses to be over 25,000. Even the most conservative estimates suggest the figure is over 10,000 - a massive Russian military failure.
By the very nature of covert operations, details of Ukraine and Russia s Special Operations Forces (SOF) and their activities in the on-going war are murky. Here, MailOnline looks at what we do know.
According to the US assessment, it will take Moscow years to rebuild its Spetsnaz units back to their former strength after they were sent to the frontlines in Ukraine.