The elite Storm-Z units, which the Kremlin wanted to form as elite units to intercept the tactical initiative on the front in Ukraine, have actually become penal battalions with prisoners.
This is stated in a recent intelligence review of the British Ministry of Defense.
British intelligence reports that russia continues to rely mostly on Storm-Z units for local offensive operations in Ukraine. These company-sized groups were likely first deployed in 2022.
Russia probably initially viewed them as relatively elite units capable of seizing the tactical initiative. However, since at least the spring of 2023, the Storm-Z have effectively turned into penal battalions, staffed by convicts and servicemen of the regular forces, brought to disciplinary responsibility.
Abundant evidence indicates that these units are given the lowest priority in logistical and medical support, while they have repeatedly been ordered to advance, British analysts said.
The Ministry noted that russian troops often conducted effective defense, but the existence of the Storm-Z underscores the extraordinary problems russia faces in creating combat infantry capable of conducting effective offensive operations.
As Ukrainian News Agency earlier reported, in September, the Defense Intelligence of the Ministry of Defense told that russia continues its covert mobilization. Since the beginning of the year, up to 100,000 people have been recruited into the ranks of the russian army in this way.
Who we are: About us, Contacts. How we write news and our principles: Editorial code. We did our best. If you found this valuable – please support us.
To request a correction, please send an email.