According to a report by Vazhnyye Istorii, one of the units deployed to defend against the Ukrainian incursion into Kursk region is a Specialized Motor Rifle Regiment formed unusually of the russian Aerospace Forces (VKS) personnel. According to the report, the Motor Rifle Regiment was formed in May 2024 and has been subordinated to the russian Northern Grouping of Forces, according to the UK Defense Intelligence.
Reportedly personnel forming the VKS-manned Motor Rifle Regiment include those previously in specialist roles such as early-warning radar operators and at Long Range Aviation Heavy Bomber regiments. Diverting personnel from these previously high priority areas likely demonstrates continuing personnel shortages. By employing them in an infantry role, they are also being misused, which could reduce russian capability to re-take territory in Kursk region.
Read more: The UK Defense Intelligence: the russian Government Intensifies its Crackdown on Communication Channels
Russia continues to develop new units and recruit more personnel to sustain its mass attritional warfare approach against Ukraine. The high casualty rates that result mean that russia needs to continuously replenish front line infantry personnel, which will almost certainly continue to limit russia’s ability to generate higher capability units.
Read more: The UK Defense Intelligence: russian Authorities Are Curbing Access to Major Platforms as Part of a Broader Crackdown on Dissent
