The Russian command, trying to replenish its reserves, began to use previously priority military personnel as infantry in operations in Kursk region, in particular from the Aerospace Forces, British intelligence experts say.

“ According to a report by the Russian investigative outlet Vazhnyye Istorii, one of the units deployed to defend against the Ukrainian incursion into Kursk oblast is a Specialised Motor Rifle Regiment formed unusually of Aerospace Forces (VKS) personnel,” the Ministry of Defense of the United Kingdom said on the social network X with reference to intelligence data.

According to the report, the motorized rifle regiment was formed in May 2024 and is subordinate to the Northern Group of Russian Troops. It is reported that the VKS motorized rifle regiment includes those who previously held special positions, for example, early warning radar operators and regiments of long-range heavy bombers.

“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 oblast,” the British intelligence noted.

In addition, the intelligence service notes another factor in such compensation for the shortage of personnel. “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.”