UK’s defense intelligence says effectiveness of Russian troops prepared in Belarus limited

January 26, BPN. Russia has most likely completed training of the 2nd Guards Motor Rifle Division (GMRD), whose soldiers practiced in Belarus since the fall of 2022, the UK’s Defense Intelligence reports.

“The majority of the 2nd GMRD has now transferred back to Russia, before almost certainly being recommitted to operations in Ukraine,” it said. “It is now primarily made up of mobilized personnel operating older equipment taken from storage. Its combat effectiveness will likely be limited despite several weeks of training.”

The division “suffered major losses in the opening phases of the conflict,” it said. It is possible that other Russian units are being sent to Belarus for training, and that Russia “will continue this model to regenerate and prepare units to maintain its force in Ukraine,” it added.

On January 24, Ukraine’s deputy military intelligence chief Vadym Skibitsky said that 5,800 troops of the Russian Ground Forces remained in Belarus. The number was previously estimated at 9,000-10,000.

“The 2nd mechanized division has now moved to Russia and has already entered Ukraine. This is the Luhansk region. This is not the same contingent as at the beginning of the aggression. There is no powerful aviation component, although joint exercises are taking place, there is no powerful missile component, there are no airborne troops,” he said.

According to him, Russia transfers various units to Belarus for training.

Russia has repeatedly struck Ukraine from Belarusian territory, where it has a growing military presence. It used Belarus as a launchpad for its February 2022 offensive on Kyiv. At the same time, Belarus says its troops are not directly involved in hostilities in Ukraine.