Ukraine: Russia increase role of regional officials to 'deflect public criticism' from Putin, MOD says

Russia is set to increase the role of regional officials in a move that is "at least partially designed to deflect public criticism away from the national leadership", according to the Ministry of Defence (MOD).

Earlier this week, Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin said Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin would coordinate the "development of security measure'"’ in Russia's regions.

In an update on Twitter, the MOD said this comes after Vladimir Putin introduced a new regime "of security alert levels".

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"This measure is likely to lead to a closer interlinking of regional governors into Russia's national security system," the MOD tweeted.

"It is a further measure to organise society as Russia’s war against Ukraine continues to be under pressure.

Watch: Dirty bomb claims by Russia are a complete 'anathema – not viable'.

"The greater involvement of regional officials is likely at least partially designed to deflect public criticism away from the national leadership.

"The Kremlin pursued a similar approach during the COVID-19 crisis. 

"However, it will likely make it more difficult for the Kremlin to insulate Russian society from the effects of the 'special military operation' in Ukraine."

It comes after Russia accused Ukraine of preparing to manufacture a dirty bomb, a claim Ukraine and the West have rejected.