There’s been quite a stir in Russia following President Vladimir Putin’s unusual decision to send his “space troops” to bolster defenses in the Kursk region, reportedly due to dwindling manpower amidst ongoing Ukrainian activity.
This deployment of a makeshift motorized rifle unit from Russia’s Aerospace Forces was first highlighted by the independent outlet, Important Stories.
Contributor/Getty Images
The unit, formed earlier this year, comprises various personnel, including those from security and logistics backgrounds, engineers, and servicemen from a spaceport. Sources suggest that members from the Aerospace Forces’ special warehouses and radar stations, initially responsible for Russia’s nuclear defense, are also included.
Interestingly, even those within the Fighterbomber Telegram channel, linked to the Aerospace Forces, are puzzled by the choice of deployment. They questioned why the unit identified itself as motorized riflemen when it apparently lacked proper equipment, stating that members of the regiment are “begging other units for anything more serious than a Kalashnikov.”
Since Ukraine initiated its operations in Kursk on August 6, they’ve reportedly seized around 1,250 square kilometers (482 square miles) and 92 settlements, outpacing any territorial gains Russia has made all year. This marks a historic moment, being the first time foreign troops have captured Russian land since World War II.
In light of these developments, Russia has been urgently shifting troops away from the front lines in Ukraine to reinforce Kursk, with reports indicating that around 5,000 personnel were redeployed as of August 13.
Tatiana Stanovaya, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center, commented that it’s clear Moscow lacks a fast or effective military response. Redirecting forces from the main front could potentially backfire, putting them in a vulnerable position, she explained on X (formerly Twitter).
Furthermore, she noted that calling for an urgent mobilization might trigger societal backlash, a risk that Putin doesn’t seem prepared to face at the moment. This raises the possibility that the Ukrainian presence along the Russian border could continue for an extended period, leading to a new normal.