Russian President Vladimir Putin chairs a Security Council meeting via a video link in Saint Petersburg
(Picture: SPUTNIK/AFP via Getty Images)Vladimir Putin is involving regional officials in order to deflect public criticism away from the leadership of Russia’s faltering campaign, the British Ministry of Defence (MoD) has said.
In its latest update, the MoD said the Russian President has introduced regional governors as part of the country’s security regime . Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin will now coordinate regional measures across the country.
This was done, however, in order to deflect criticism amid a struggling military campaign in Ukraine, the MoD said.
It added: “The greater involvement of regional officials is likely at least partially designed to deflect public criticism away from the national leadership.
“The Kremlin pursued a similar approach during the Covid-19 crisis. However, it will likely make it more difficult for the Kremlin to insulate Russian society from the effects of the ‘special military operation’ in Ukraine.”
This comes as fighting has continued in the towns within the eastern Donetsk region.
While Ukrainian forces are poised to reclaim the key southern city of Kherson further south, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has accused Russian forces of increasing artillery strikes on the eastern town of Bakhmut.
Although not strategically vital, analysts say it would mark a symbolic victory for Russia after forces ceded territory in the east.
Amid a period of heightened tensions, Mr Putin oversaw a strategic nuclear exercise as Russia’s eight-month campaign struggles to advance on Thursday.
While Mr Putin oversaw the nuclear exercise, new Prime Minister Rishi Sunak held a call with his Ukrainian counterpart where he stressed the UK would remain a key ally.
A Downing Street spokeswoman said the Prime Minister assured Mr Zelensky “the United Kingdom’s support for Ukraine would be as strong as ever under his premiership”, adding: “Both leaders agreed on the need to continue to place pressure on Putin’s barbaric regime through continued economic sanctions.”
