British intelligence assesses Moscow's use of 'space infantry' in Kursk region
Photo: British intelligence assessed consequences of Moscow's use of space infantry (Getty Images)
Moscow is attempting to defend the Kursk region from a Ukrainian advance by deploying units composed of specialists. However, it is unlikely that using them as infantry will be effective, according to the UK Ministry of Defense on X.
According to a report by the Russian investigative publication "Vazhnyye Istorii (Important Stories)," one of the units deployed to defend against the Ukrainian invasion of the Kursk region is a specialized motorized rifle regiment formed from the personnel of the Aerospace Forces (VKS). The motorized rifle regiment was formed in May 2024 and is subordinate to the Russian military group Russian Northen Grouping of Forces.
The regiment consists of individuals who previously held specialized positions, such as radar operators for early warning systems and personnel from long-range bomber squadrons.
British intelligence reports that the reassignment of personnel from these previously high-priority roles indicates a shortage of troops. Using them in roles other than their intended specialty as infantry may reduce Russia's ability to reclaim territory in the Kursk region.
“Russia continus 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,” the UK Ministry of Defense notes.
It is noteworthy that Ukrainian forces launched an operation in the Kursk region on August 6. According to Ukrainian Armed Forces Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi, as of August 20, Ukrainian troops control 93 settlements in the Kursk region.
RBC-Ukraine’s military-political source reported that occupying forces received instructions from Putin to liberate the Kursk region by October 1. However, their task is to achieve this without withdrawing forces from key areas where Russia is advancing in Donbas.
