The Kremlin is trying to defend the Kursk region from the advance of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) by bringing in units formed by specialists – the so-called "space infantry“. This is stated in the daily report of the Ministry of Defense of the United Kingdom, a summary of which was published on the social network X.
The British intelligence brief is based on a report by the Russian investigative publication "Important Stories". According to the media, one of these units in the Kursk region is a specialized motorized rifle regiment, formed in May from personnel of the Aerospace Forces (VKS).
It is noted that it includes radar system (RAD) operators, who usually work with long-range bombers.
According to British intelligence, recruitment from these previously priority areas indicated a lack of manpower. Using these specialists for purposes other than infantry could also reduce Russia's ability to regain lost territory.
Latest Defense Intelligence update on the situation in Ukraine - 21 August 2024.
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"Russia continues to create new units and recruit more personnel to support its approach to a full-scale, all-out war against Ukraine. The high casualty rates resulting from this mean that Russia must constantly replenish its front-line infantry, which will almost certainly continue to limit Russia's ability to form high-potential units,“ London’s military said.
The military leadership of Russia is not withdrawing parts of the Donbass to the Kursk region, but is trying to attract other resources, in particular by forming a "space infantry", military expert Oleg Zhdanov warned earlier.