Russian soldiers, illustrative image. Photo via Wikimedia.

UK intel: Russia attempts to manage defense corruption while keeping up military operations in Ukraine

October 31, 2024

By Ukraine

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Analysts of the Ministry of Defense of the United Kingdom have documented that the Russian authorities continue to enthusiastically pursue corruption charges against serving and former defense officials (appointed in the era of former Minister of Defense Sergei Shoigu), even after achieving initial convictions.

The Russian government’s continued pursuit of corruption charges against defense officials reveals a strategic shift in how Putin’s regime manages military corruption. Rather than eliminating it entirely, authorities appear to be attempting to contain corruption to “acceptable” levels that won’t severely impair military operations – a crucial development as Russia struggles to maintain its offensive capabilities in Ukraine. This selective anti-corruption campaign provides insight into both internal power dynamics within Russia’s military leadership and the regime’s efforts to improve military effectiveness while preserving the system of patronage essential to its rule.

According to British military analysts, the goal of the Russian authorities is almost certainly not the eradication of corruption entirely; this behavior is fundamental to the functioning of the regime.

Instead, Russian authorities are likely seeking to limit corruption to more manageable levels that have a less drastic impact on the functioning of the defense department.

As an example, the analysts note the case of General-Major Alexander Ogloblin. According to the Russian Investigative Committee, Ogloblin has been arrested and is being held in pre-trial detention for allegedly accepting 10 million rubles (approximately 102,000 dollars) in bribes from a telecommunications company, as an inducement to secure Russian Ministry of Defense contracts.

Ogloblin had previously been sentenced to four and a half years in prison in February 2022 in relation to separate embezzlement charges. He was granted early release after testifying against his former superior Deputy Chief of the General Staff, and Head of the Main Communications Directorate, General-Lieutenant Vadim Shamarin, who was detained in May 2024.

Russian forces advance into Chasiv Yar

In addition to internal processes within Russia, the analysts also provided a situational update on the frontline, dated 28 October. The analysts note that Russian forces have made gains into the heavily contested town of Chasiv Yar in eastern Ukraine, with Russian troops highly likely crossing the canal in southern Chasiv Yar and thereby approaching the town’s boundaries.

In the central part of the canal district, it is likely Russian forces have made limited advances west of the canal into the eastern part of Chasiv Yar. However, it is likely that the central and northern parts of the canal district remain fiercely contested, with Russian forces unable to consolidate in these areas.

The current state of the frontline with regards to the town of Chasiv Yar (indicated by the marker). Photo via DeepState.ua.

From mid-July 2024 until recently, Russian forces had been unable to cross the canal due to extensive defensive measures taken by the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

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