Russian President Vladimir Putin’s reorganisation of the country’s economy and military-industrial complex indicates that Moscow is preparing for a continued large-scale, long-term war, Ukraine’s Defence Intelligence (HUR) said on January 14, 2023, Ukrinform reported.
A wartime footing
HUR said the measures pointed to “preparation to move Russia to a wartime state,” with the aim of strengthening the Russian armed forces and enabling operations that were planned at the start of the invasion but failed.
Gerasimov’s appointment
Russia’s efforts to draw all military resources into continuing the war, and the recent appointment of Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov as commander of the invasion force, signalled military setbacks and preparation for a protracted war, HUR said.
HUR also noted that Russia had barred citizens liable for military service from leaving the country under an order from the FSB to border units.
Context
Western officials and analysts have also warned that Russia is preparing for a long war, increasing defence production and spending. Putin has repeatedly said Russia will achieve its goals in Ukraine, while the Kremlin has framed the conflict as a confrontation with the West as a whole.
Sources
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