UK intel explains why Russia digging trenches and strengthening fortifications near Belgorod
The governor of the Belgorod region on Dec. 6 announced the creation of local “self-defense units,” the department noted.
Trenching in the region has been reported since at least April 2022, but the new structures are likely more sophisticated systems designed to repel a mechanized attack.
Read also: Russia likely preparing false flag attack in Belgorod Oblast, says ISW
“There is a realistic possibility that the Russian authorities are promoting defense preparations within internationally recognized Russian territory in order to burnish patriotic feeling,” the report said.
However, it probably illustrates a sincere (but false) belief by some decision-makers in Russia that there is a credible threat of an invasion by Ukrainian forces, the agency added.
"Paucity in strategic assessment is one of the critical weaknesses in the central Russian government architecture: as highlighted by Russia’s original decision to invade Ukraine.”
Impartial official analysis is almost certainly often undermined by a tendency toward group-think and politically expedient conclusions, the summary concludes.
Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
