Russia is trying to compensate for losses in the Donbass
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According to the ministry, Russian commanders will most likely continue to face competing operational priorities, namely strengthening the Donbass offensive and strengthening defenses against expected Ukrainian counterattacks in the south.
It noted that Russia is likely planning to provide a large proportion of the 3 AC from newly formed “volunteer” battalions deployed across the country, pooling recruits from the same areas.
“Russian regional officials have confirmed that potential 3 AC recruits will be offered lucrative cash rewards once deployed to Ukraine,” the ministry said.
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“The hiring is open to men up to the age of 50 and only with a secondary school education. A Russian army corps normally consists of 15-20,000 soldiers, but it will probably be difficult for Russia to bring 3 AK to this strength given the very limited enthusiasm of the population to volunteer for combat in Ukraine.”
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According to British Intelligence, “3 AC’s impact is unlikely to be critical to the campaign”.
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