UK intel reports doubling of arson attacks on Russian military enlistment offices over last six months

The British Defense Ministry said this in an intelligence update posted on the X social media platform, Ukrinform reports.

"On January 22, 2024, Russian authorities reported there had been 220 attacks on military enlistment offices since the [full-scale invasion of Ukraine] began in February 2022. Other statistics from media outlet Mediazona reported 113 attacks on enlistment offices recorded since July 26, 2023. Taken together, these statistics indicate a doubling of arson attacks on enlistment offices over the last six months," the update said.

The ministry noted that Russian Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) Director Sergey Naryshkin had accused those responsible for the arson attacks of acting at the behest of Western officials.

"However, the increase in attacks is highly likely due to a greater sense of disaffection with the war amongst the Russian population and especially those who would be mobilized should a second wave of mobilization be announced," British intelligence said.

According to the ministry, further mobilization would be a contradiction to Russian President Vladimir Putin's promise at his December 14, 2023 annual news conference that there would be no further mobilization in the country.

"The attacks [on military enlistment offices] highly likely suggest a lack of confidence in this promise," the ministry said.

Photo: sq.com.ua