The military intelligence agency of the United Kingdom argues that the increase in casualty rate is almost certainly due to Ukraine's Kursk operation and continued pressure on the Pokrovsk axis, as Russia continues to rely on mass to mitigate their lack of personnel and equipment capability.
UK intelligence reports Russia is creating a new volunteer unit in response to recent Ukrainian incursions into Kursk Oblast. Analysts doubt the unit's immediate effectiveness, as Russia's military focus remains on Pokrovsk.
The British military analysts take as an example the case of Dmitry Bulgakov, former Russian Deputy Defense Minister, who was arrested on corruption charges.
Although it does tolerate some corruption, the Kremlin is conducting crackdowns on corrupt officials in the defense industry unable to find patrons or other forms of protection.
The intelligence report states that the attack imposes increased costs for Russia as well as reducing its flexibility to transport fuel, munitions and equipment across the Kerch Strait.
The impact of the Kremlin's war against Ukraine is taking a toll on Russia's civilian population, especially in the healthcare sector, according to a report from the UK Defense Ministry. Russian citizens are reportedly struggling to access hospital services, with shortages of medical supplies, including crucial antibiotics.