The intelligence of the United Kingdom believes that the increase in attacks on military enlistment offices and similar institutions in Russia may indicate a lack of trust in President Vladimir Putin's promise not to conduct a new wave of mobilization.
This information is reported in the intelligence review from the UK Ministry of Defense dated January 28.
The department cites data released by the Russian authorities on January 22, revealing 220 attacks on military recruitment-related institutions since the beginning of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. However, the statistics from the "Mediazona" publication indicate 113 attacks only from July 26, 2023.
"Taken together, these statistics indicate a doubling of arson attacks on enlistment offices over the last 6 months," notes the intelligence.
Sergey Naryshkin, the head of Russia's Foreign Intelligence Service, claimed that the attackers acted on behalf of Western officials.
"However, the increase in the number of attacks is very likely due to the increasing dissatisfaction with the war among the Russian population, especially those who could be mobilized once they announce the second wave of mobilization," the review states.
It is reported that some perpetrators of these attacks have been accused of terrorism and treason.
"The new mobilization would contradict Putin's promise of December 14, 2023, that there would be no new wave – attacks with a high probability indicate a lack of trust in these promises," according to British intelligence.