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London: Russian National Guard becomes “significantly” stronger
January 7, 2024, 11:52 a.m
The Russian National Guard has been equipped with heavy combat equipment since the summer of 2023. The force is also growing rapidly in terms of personnel: In addition to units from the Wagner private army, it has also been supported since the beginning of the year by a battalion from Donetsk in eastern Ukraine, according to reports from London.
According to British assessments, the Russian National Guard (Rosgvardiya) is benefiting in terms of personnel and material from changes resulting from the war of aggression against Ukraine. Since the beginning of January, the “Vostok” battalion of the so-called Donetsk People’s Republic has also been subordinate to it, the Ministry of Defense in London said, citing intelligence findings.
In addition, the “Kaskad” group that specializes in drone operations – also from Donetsk – should be disbanded and partially integrated into Rosgvardiya. Since October 2023, units from the Wagner private army have also been integrated into the Russian National Guard, London wrote. Chechen units are also active in the war against Ukraine as part of the Russian National Guard. “New capabilities, as well as the addition of experienced veterans from other groups, are likely to represent a significant increase in combat effectiveness,” said the latest report from London.
Since its founding, the Russian National Guard has been led by Viktor Solotov, a confidant of Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin, and reports directly to the president. After the Wagner Group mutiny last summer, Solotov called for tanks and heavy, long-range weapons. Putin then signed a law that would equip the troops with heavy combat equipment. At that time, the British Ministry of Defense analyzed that the Russian leadership was increasingly relying on the National Guard to secure its power.
Ukraine has been defending itself against a war of aggression by Russia for almost two years. Since then, the British Ministry of Defense has regularly published information on the course of the war. Moscow accuses London of disinformation.