Russia bolsters Kursk defence with new volunteer units amid Ukrainian push
In response to the actions of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in the Kursk region, Russia is establishing new volunteer territorial defence units. This information was provided by the American Institute for the Study of War (ISW). It is a reaction by the Russian Federation's authorities to the rapid advances of Ukrainians on its soil. Moscow still does not want to pull regular units from the front.
Analysts believe that the formation of these units indicates Vladimir Putin's reluctance for a more significant counterattack, which would require mobilization or large-scale transfer of troops, potentially disrupting Russia's offensive operations in eastern Ukraine.
On August 29, Alexey Smirnov, acting governor of the Kursk region, announced the creation of the BARS-Kursk volunteer unit, whose main task will be to ensure the region's security.
Smirnov noted that the unit will cooperate with the Russian armed forces and also provide humanitarian support to residents of border towns.
According to the regional authorities, volunteers will sign six-month contracts, undergo training, and receive the necessary weapons to perform their duties.
Russians form new unit. ISW on Russia's strategy
ISW notes that the formation of new BARS units aligns with the Kremlin's strategy to avoid redeploying experienced units from other fronts in favour of defending Kursk, which could slow the pace of Russian offensive operations.
As newsukraine.rbc.ua highlights, Putin systematically relies on volunteers and new formations to alleviate personnel shortages in the war, while avoiding a general mobilization announcement, which would be unpopular among Russian citizens.
The American edition of "The Hill" argues Ukrainian forces already control about 100 localities in the Kursk region, and around 600 Russian soldiers have been taken prisoner, which discourages Russian morale and affects the dynamics of the conflict.
In the face of the Ukrainian offensive in Kursk, the Kremlin has regrouped approximately 30,000 soldiers from other front lines.
