Losses of conscripts near Kursk could shake Putin's power, - ISW.


A political crisis could occur in Russia due to losses among conscripts in the Kursk region. The American Institute for the Study of War pointed this out in its report.
The Ukrainian operation in the Kursk region creates serious problems for the Kremlin, as Russia heavily relies on conscripts who guard the border with Ukraine.
The CTO regime, which was declared in the Belgorod, Bryansk, and Kursk regions, aims to reduce the scale of the Ukrainian invasion and prevent internal strife.
In addition, evidence of Russian dictator Vladimir Putin's dissatisfaction with the actions of the military command in the Kursk region could be the appointment of Alexander Bortnikov, head of the FSB, as the head of the CTO.
The Russian Ministry of Defense relies on a combination of conscripts, parts of the Northern group of forces, and units from less important sections of the front in Ukraine. This could lead to disorganization of the Russian response to the Ukrainian operation.
The arrival of additional units and experienced military personnel from the front has led to improved protection of Russian forces from attacks by the Ukrainian Armed Forces. However, Ukrainian troops still hold their positions in the Kursk region with slight advances.
Separate raids by Ukrainian forces into settlements in the Belgorod region have also been recorded, although the presence of the Ukrainian Armed Forces and holding of positions there have not been confirmed.
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