According to a recent intelligence review by the British Ministry of Defence, claims made by Dmitry Medvedev, Deputy Chairman of the Security Council of the Russian Federation, regarding the expansion of the Russian army may be greatly exaggerated. Medvedev had previously stated that in 2023, an additional 500,000 individuals joined the Russian military forces.
The source of this information is European Pravda, which cites the British Ministry of Defence's intelligence review of the ongoing Russian-Ukrainian war. British intelligence analysts are skeptical of the accuracy of these figures, suggesting that the actual number is likely to be significantly lower.
Further insights from the intelligence review indicate that the burden of mobilization predominantly falls on poorer regions and rural areas within Russia. In an apparent effort to meet mobilization targets, the Russian military leadership has reportedly been allowing school graduates to sign contracts with the army since April 2023.
This intelligence review also references data published by Mediazona and the BBC's Russian service, revealing that at least five Russians born in 2005 were killed in the war. Such details underscore concerns about the young age and preparedness of those being enlisted in the military amidst the ongoing conflict.
The revelation from British intelligence casts doubt on the scale of Russian military expansion and raises questions about the strategies and demographics of recruitment within Russia's armed forces during this conflict
