Russian forces have probably started deploying “barrier troops” or “blocking units,” which threaten to shoot their own retreating soldiers in order to compel offensives, the UK Ministry of Defence said in an intelligence update on November 4, 2022.
Low morale
British intelligence linked the move to low morale and reluctance to fight among Russian troops. Russian generals likely wanted commanders to take action against deserters, possibly authorising shooting them after a warning, and wanted defensive positions held “to the death,” the update said.
Similar units have appeared in earlier Russian operations, it noted.
A sign of weakness
“The tactic of shooting deserters likely attests to the low quality, low morale and indiscipline of Russian forces,” the ministry said.
Context
The update came as Russia deployed tens of thousands of newly mobilised reservists to the front after President Vladimir Putin announced a “partial mobilisation” in September. Many of the reservists have complained of poor training, equipment and supplies. Soviet forces used blocking detachments during World War II, notably after Stalin’s 1942 order “Not a step back.”
Sources
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