Desperate Russian President Vladimir Putin is expanding his war in Ukraine, stepping up mobilisation and preparing for a long conflict, it has been claimed.
A confidential security assessment from allied figures suggests the deluded Russian leader is still convinced his “hybrid warfare” will outlast western resolve.
The write-up says Putin believes his Iranian drones programme attacking energy infrastructure, cyber attacks, weaponsing of refugees, fake news and sabotage will prevail.
It says his delusion comes against a backdrop of disastrous casualties among raw recruits, many killed by their own side for fleeing and rock-bottom troop morale.
One young Russian man is quoted when asked why he fled his own country in the face of conscription, saying he: “...saw no reason to die defending his country when no-one was attacking it.”
Russian commanders, it is said, are using “blocking units” to “liquidate” anybody retreating, in a revival of eastern front WWII tactics.
The assessment also says Russian commanders are desperate for an operational pause, a break in operations to build-up defences against Ukraine’s counter-offensive.
And Russian troops are having to resort to “stand-off” engagements against Ukraine, using artillery, mortars and grenade launchers as they cannot “close with” Kyiv’s forces.
Moscow’s military is said increasingly to having to rely on the notorious Wagner Group mercenary unit for close quarter battles.
And it suggests Putin’s once near-allies are now backing away from Moscow, even including Kazakhstan and Belarus.
It also points to mysterious and extremely damaging attacks within Russia on military sites which may prove to be a step-change in the war in Ukraine,.
It says: “Regardless of the failures of his army in the field and the lack of enthusiasm amongst his generals for engaging with NATO, there is no sign whatsoever of Putin conceding that he is in danger of losing the war.
“On the contrary, not only is he not scaling down his ambition, he is doing everything to expand the war and Russia’s ability to wage it.”
The report goes on to say: “At home we are seeing strenuous and increasing efforts to expand Russia’s defence industry and to prepare for a new stage in the mobilisation process.
“This is exposing significant failings in the defence industry and in Russia’s economy generally.
“Whilst mobilisation has become less chaotic than at the start, it is still facing significant difficulties and is no more popular than when it was first introduced.
“Russians too are experiencing the impact of winter weather as their centralised heating systems break down due to so many heating engineers having been mobilised.
“Nevertheless, notwithstanding the obstacles and difficulties and the ever-increasing impact of sanctions, these war policies are being pushed through as a priority.
“Putin is preparing Russia for a long war.”
