Russia Sends Conscripts Without Combat Experience to Vovchansk, Kharkiv Region

In the Kharkiv direction, the Russian army has started deploying conscripts, according to Colonel Vitaliy Sarantsev, the spokesman for the operational-tactical group “Kharkiv”.

The Defense Forces noted that particularly in Vovchansk, Russian forces are now using fighters without combat experience to bolster their assault operations.

Sarantsev indicated that this shift suggests a shortage of personnel within Russian units, forcing the military command to rely on less experienced soldiers.

“In this direction, the fourth volunteer reconnaissance and assault brigade named after Alexander Nevsky was involved. They suffered heavy losses, and now servicemen of the 128th separate motorized rifle brigade are arriving to reinforce them, along with soldiers from other units. However, according to the latest data, the units involved in the assault operations directly in Vovchansk have a rather low level of training; previously, these servicemen did not participate in any combat operations at all. We understand that these are newly arrived personnel, a mobilization resource raised by Russia,” he stated.

Over the past few weeks, there have been multiple instances of Russian troops refusing to carry out combat and special tasks, including logistics and engineering operations, particularly in the areas of Hlyboke, Lypka, and Vovchansk.

“The significant losses suffered by the enemy in the Kharkiv direction—more than ten thousand personnel in our operational zone over four months—have compelled Russia to seek additional resources to continue the war. Russian legislation does not prohibit deploying conscript soldiers for combat operations after four months of service, so their appearance in other directions is likely,” Sarantsev added.

He also pointed out that Russian propaganda has already “warmed up” the public to this development and tested its reaction, which was predictably indifferent. As a result, further steps, including the launch of a large-scale mobilization campaign in Russia, should be anticipated.

Sarantsev emphasized that the Ukrainian military remains steadfast in its defense of the Kharkiv direction and other areas, and is prepared to repel new enemy attacks.

Previously, the Russian government has announced an increase in financial incentives for new recruits.