In an intelligence replace, the ministry stated that “resulting from low morale and reluctance to combat, Russian forces have most likely began deploying ‘barrier troops’ or ‘blocking models.'”
“These models threaten to shoot their very own retreating troopers so as to compel offensives and have been use in earlier conflicts by Russian forces,” it added.
The ministry additionally stated that Russian generals have doubtless advised their commanders to make use of weapons towards deserters, together with probably authorizing taking pictures to kill after a warning had been given.
A swathe of studies and Western intelligence updates have pointed to low morale within the Russian military, because it continues its struggle in Ukraine, and particularly since Ukraine began to win again territory and push again Russian forces in September.
The protection ministry stated that the tactic of taking pictures deserters “doubtless attests to the low high quality, low morale, and indiscipline of Russian forces”.
“Generals additionally doubtless needed to take care of defensive positions to the dying.”
Many younger males in Russia have additionally left the nation in a bid to keep away from being known as as much as combat.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has actively intervened to cease his troops retreating. The New York Instances reported in September that Putin was determined to maintain management of town of Kherson, the place Ukraine is now approaching, and denied a request from the navy to retreat from town.
Russia has additionally elevated the punishment for deserting troops. In September, the State Duma handed a invoice rising jail time for troopers who desert their unit from 5 years to as much as 10 years. Putin signed a decree permitting the penalty to be enforced.
