Russia has personnel problems with army command staff - Ukrainian Intelligence 

Andriy Chernyak, representative of the Main Intelligence Directorate of Ukrainian Defense Ministry, stated this, RBC-Ukraine reports.

He noted that there is a shortage of personnel in front-line units. In particular: about 40% of junior commanders are missing there. Also, in the units fighting in Donetsk and Luhansk regions, there is a problem with commanders at the platoon or company level.

"The Russian Federation will continue offensive actions, because it has not achieved its main goal - full occupation of Donetsk and Luhansk regions. And it is in the units located there that we observe that occupying forces have serious problems with commanders at the platoon or company level," Chernyak said.

According to him, Russian units standing on the front line do not want to go to war, to go on the offensive. Instead, he says that many aim to maim themselves in order to return to the territory of the Russian Federation and not fight.

"The majority do not plan to prolong the contract, but no one asks them," Chernyak noted.

He also added that for this reason mobilized Russians are often sent on assault operations. At the same time, there is no command and proper interaction between groups with them. According to Chernyak, they may have minor tactical successes, but still die by hundreds, and later new units are sent in their place.

Representative of Ukrainian intelligence clarified that Russia has problems with leadership in the army and at the highest levels. He noted that there is already frequent change of generals and commanders of various levels, who have failed to fulfil their tasks. According to Chernyak, this is their last chance to correct the situation and at least partially achieve their goals.

"According to our estimates, personnel problems with Russian command staff will only increase every day," Chernyak emphasized.

• On January 26, British intelligence analysts reported on the completion of training of the 2nd Russian Guards Motorized Rifle Division in Belarus: its strength will be limited after training, probably like other groups.