Change of strategy in the Kremlin
Putin wants to turn the tide with a five-point plan
According to war researchers, the Kremlin will be preparing for an end to the Ukraine war in the next six months. Various measures such as more propaganda and improved military structures are on the agenda.
Published: 22 minutes ago
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Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin.
It was supposed to be a blitzkrieg. But the Ukraine war has been raging for almost a year now. Despite repeated, huge waves of Russian attacks, the Ukrainians put up tenacious resistance and regularly inflicted defeats on the soldiers of Kremlin boss Vladimir Putin (70).
Now the Institute of Study of War (ISW) reports that the Russians are preparing for “a decisive strategic action” in the next six months. Specifically, there should be a five-point plan that should bring Moscow the hoped-for turnaround. Some of the points have already been completed or are in progress.
Above all, the Russian troops are to be increased. And that in the short and long term. The Russian Defense Ministry has announced that the military will be expanded with new divisions and the reintroduction of military districts in western Russia. The government around Putin wants to reform the military in such a way that large-scale, conventional war operations are possible.
2 Warfare is the responsibility of the Ministry of Defence
The second point has already been done: the Kremlin recently handed warfare back to the Defense Ministry. At the top is General Valeri Gerasimov (67), the chief of staff of the Russian army. He replaces Sergei Surovikin, who had been commander-in-chief of the Syria mission twice in previous years. With Gerassimov, someone who is closer to the center of power in Moscow and who was also involved in the planning of the Ukraine war is once again in control. Is that a good idea given the failed invasion so far?
3 Use your strength well
Russia also wants to be economical with its forces. According to Putin, not all of the personnel drafted in the wave of mobilization should be deployed. Some soldiers are apparently ready for a later, concentrated operation.
4 Better equipment and supplies
The Russians are also trying to restore their “defense industrial base”. In December, for example, President Putin met with several high-ranking armaments companies. Before that, he publicly acknowledged problems with the army supply. He urged a minister to place defense procurement contracts.
After all, there can never be enough propaganda for the Kremlin. After the alleged denazification of Ukraine, Russia’s role as a victim is now in the foreground. According to the ISW, the “conditioning of the Russian information space” is being intensified. Specifically, Putin and his men want to take action to gain control over war reporting and get the public behind them.
According to the ISW, one thing is clear: The Kremlin is fine-tuning its strategy – according to experts, however, these steps come far too late. (twa)