UK intel explains why Russia digging trenches and strengthening fortifications near Belgorod
Why is the Russian Federation strengthening its defenses in the Belgorod region, explained British intelligence (Photo:Справжній Гладков/Telegram)
Russia has recently begun to expand defensive positions along its border with Ukraine and deep in the Belgorod region, the UK’s Defense Intelligence reported on Twitter on Dec. 7.
The governor of the Belgorod region on Dec. 6 announced the creation of local “self-defense units,” the department noted.
Trenching in the region has been reported since at least April 2022, but the new structures are likely more sophisticated systems designed to repel a mechanized attack.
“There is a realistic possibility that the Russian authorities are promoting defense preparations within internationally recognized Russian territory in order to burnish patriotic feeling,” the report said.
However, it probably illustrates a sincere (but false) belief by some decision-makers in Russia that there is a credible threat of an invasion by Ukrainian forces, the agency added.
"Paucity in strategic assessment is one of the critical weaknesses in the central Russian government architecture: as highlighted by Russia’s original decision to invade Ukraine.”
Impartial official analysis is almost certainly often undermined by a tendency toward group-think and politically expedient conclusions, the summary concludes.
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