russia refused to hold a "tank biathlon" after a large loss of equipment in Ukraine

russia will not host the Army International Games (ARMY) in 2023 after large-scale losses of tanks during the war in Ukraine.

russian state media, citing sources close to the Defense Ministry, reported that the event will now be held every two years.

"It was decided to hold the Army International Games every two years. Accordingly, this year's competition was canceled, and the next games will be held in 2024," the source said.

According to another source, the decision was made a few weeks ago, and the relevant information has already been communicated to stakeholders.

In 2023, the Army Games were planned to be held in russia and other countries that have declared their readiness to host competitions within the framework of the Army Games.

At the same time, in 2022, similar games were held in 12 countries, including Armenia, Azerbaijan, belarus, Kazakhstan, Iran, China, Uzbekistan, and others. More than 260 teams from 35 countries participated in them, with a total of more than 6,500 people.

russia has lost 10,055 pieces of military equipment over a year and a half of the war in Ukraine, according to data as of April 18 from the Oryx project, which records documented losses of equipment from the russian and Ukrainian sides.

In particular, the russian army lost 1,902 tanks, of which 1,157 were destroyed, 544 captured, 102 abandoned, and 99 damaged. Infantry fighting vehicles are in second place in terms of losses – 2305 lost units, of which 1496 were destroyed, 608 captured, 129 abandoned, and 70 damaged.