ISW: Inadequate when the most elite force of Russian security forces fights in Kursk

Описание: ISW: Inadequate when the most elite force of Russian security forces fights in Kursk

A report from the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) suggests that the deployment of Spetsnaz special forces from the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) in Kursk has exposed coordination gaps between Russia's security agencies. According to a report from *Novaya Gazeta Europe*, the FSB, which typically focuses on intelligence and internal security, is taking part in combat operations in Kursk. This highlights Russia's lack of conventional military forces, with FSB Spetsnaz units such as Alpha and Vympel having to take on Ukrainian sabotage and reconnaissance groups.

An FSB Spetsnaz serviceman was confirmed killed in action in the Kursk region in August 2024, demonstrating the force's presence. However, an FSB officer expressed concern about the unsuitability of these special forces units in fighting regular troops, as they lack the ability to deal with combined-arms battles.

In addition, Novaya Gazeta Europe reported that the FSB and the Russian military have difficulty coordinating their tasks, due to the lack of a common headquarters and coordination procedures between the two forces. This leads to overlapping tasks, affecting the effectiveness of operations.

The situation in Kursk reflects the overlapping tasks of Russia's security agencies. President Putin previously assigned the FSB to carry out an anti-terrorist operation in the Belgorod, Bryansk and Kursk regions in August 2024, but later assigned the same task to the Ministry of Defense and Rosgvardia (the Russian National Guard).

Spetsnaz forces, which include special forces units from the FSB, GRU, Navy, and Special Operations Forces (SOF), are among Russia's most elite troops, often performing specialized missions such as counterterrorism and behind-the-line combat. However, the FSB Spetsnaz's direct involvement in combat highlights the shortage of manpower and management problems within Russia's security forces.
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