The new tsar hits the patriotic key hard, but he recognizes the problems. On the day of the holiday of the secret service, the leader urged them to step up action against external enemies and «traitors» | The military point | 308
Vladimir Putin is pushing the patriotic button hard but implicitly acknowledging problems. On the day of the secret services holiday, the neo-tsar urged them to step up action against outside enemies and “traitors” operating within the borders. He also acknowledged that the situation in Ukraine’s pro-Russian areas was “extremely difficult” and that confidence needed to be restored.
The leader said the FSB – heir to the KGB – must step up internal and border surveillance, use all available means to deal with “new threats” and coordinate with special forces, border guards and military intelligence. A response is required for the Kremlin using technology, men and equipment to quickly crush enemy incursions, identify spies and saboteurs. Resources will be used to control demonstrations around strategic locations as well as industrial infrastructure. The executive promises new tools, from equipment to weapons. The message is multifaceted: it strengthens the ranks, increases the feeling of mobilization, indirectly reveals the fear of coups in the country’s hinterland and not only in Ukraine.
In recent months, Russian territory has been the scene of accidents, fires and episodes that are not always clear, leaving room for speculation or theories. Attacks by Ukrainians are also common, although not always claimed. We are in the classic “hybrid” space, with real coups, influence games, underground operations. A theater in which Moscow has always shown great effectiveness, but has learned at its own expense that Zelensky’s agents – and not only them – represent a tough opponent. There are many stories about Kyiv’s intelligence activities, but also about the role of the West, an axis that includes cyber missions, special forces on the ground, electronic espionage and aerial surveillance.
Meanwhile, revelations about the pre-war period continue. According to the Kyiv Independent, Russia has postponed the invasion three times, changes related to consultations between Putin and defense, notably Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and Chief of Staff Valery Gerasimov. The secret service pushed to advance the plan of the FSB, which according to some reconstructions had been entrusted by the Kremlin with the management of the attack, a special task that was accompanied by the allocation of massive funds, by creating a “department” up hoc, through the additional recruitment of infiltrators. An “investment” that is considered sufficient for a quick conquest of the country. A prediction that reality belies. Despite the preparation, equipment and logistics were not up to date: the underestimation of capabilities of the enemy was evident, just as the mistakes of Russian espionage were serious.In the end, Putin decided to unleash the offensive anyway, informing a small number of hierarchs and ignoring the shortcomings of the battalions.
December 20, 2022 (change December 20, 2022 | 15:54)
© REPRODUCTION RESERVED