In view of heavy defeats in the war against Ukraine, Russia wants to provide supplies. 300,000 soldiers are to reinforce the Russian army. The British secret service is also certain that the National Guard, which operates primarily in Russia, should also be strengthened.
According to British estimates, the Russian National Guard (Rosgwardija) is coming under increasing pressure because of its involvement in the war against Ukraine and increasing protests in Russia. "There is a realistic possibility that the mobilization will be used to reinforce the Rosgwardiya units with additional forces," said the Ministry of Defense in London, citing intelligence findings. The authority emphasized that there had already been calls in Moscow to extend the partial mobilization to the troops.
"Rosgwardiya units have played an important role both in combat and in securing the rear of Ukraine and are currently facilitating accession referendums in the occupied territories," it said in London.
The troops, which belong to the Ministry of the Interior, are actually intended for use in Russia and are intended to help secure President Vladimir Putin's "regime". "She was particularly ill-prepared for the intense fighting in Ukraine," the ministry said. "Given the need to quell the growing dissent in Russia, as well as operational tasks in Ukraine, Rosgwardiya is most likely under particular pressure."
The decree on partial mobilization forces Russians to take part in the war, which up until now has - at least in theory - been voluntary. 300,000 reservists are to be drafted, starting immediately. According to the Ministry of Defence, former conscripts and regular service soldiers up to the age of 35 and reserve officers in the lower ranks up to the age of 45 are affected. First and foremost, men with combat experience and special military training should be sent to war.
The British Ministry of Defense has been publishing daily information on the course of the war since the beginning of the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine at the end of February, citing the secret service. In doing so, the British government wants to both counter the Russian portrayal and keep allies in line. Moscow accuses London of a targeted disinformation campaign.
