Russia trying to revive reputation of brigade associated with failure in Ukraine, MOD says
The Russian Ministry of Defence is trying to revive the reputation of a brigade that has become "synonymous" with failure in Ukraine, the Ministry of Defence (MOD) has said.
In the latest defence update, the MOD said Russia was running a "deliberate information operation" to restore the reputation of 155th Naval Infantry Brigade.
"Throughout March 2023, the activities of 155th Naval Infantry Brigade were highlighted via some of the most extensive Russian helmet-cam combat footage yet released," the MOD said.
It added that the footage was also a "televised visit by a prominent Russian TV host, Vladimir Solovyov".
"There were also public announcements that the formation is in 'high spirits [with] a strong determination to achieve the set goals', as well as images showing the 155th being re-equipped with modified tanks," the MOD said.
"In reality, the 155th has likely been reduced to combat ineffective status at least twice in the last six months, due to being committed to tactically flawed frontal assaults near Vuhledar in Donetsk Oblast.
"The MOD's effort to revive the brigade's image likely reflects concern about the way in which its failures were being increasingly associated with Russian senior military leaders."
It comes after the MOD claimed Russia would only meet Vladimir Putin’s latest recruitment targets by "coercing" men to sign up for a volunteer programme to be mobilised.
The MOD said Russian "media reporting suggests that the authorities are preparing to start a major military recruitment campaign with the aim of signing up an additional 400,000 troops".
"Russian authorities have likely selected a supposedly 'volunteer model' to meet their personnel shortfall in order to minimise domestic dissent," the MOD said.
"It is highly unlikely that the campaign will attract 400,000 genuine volunteers."
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