British Intelligence update on Ukraine as of Jan. 26

British Intelligence update on Ukraine as of Jan. 26

Russia has likely completed training of the 2nd Guards Motor Rifle Division (GMRD) in Belarus, which had been carrying out training since autumn 2022.

The majority of the 2nd GMRD has now transferred back to Russia, before almost certainly being recommitted to operations in Ukraine.

The 2nd GMRD is an element of the 1st Guards Tank Army and suffered major losses in the opening phases of the conflict.

It is now primarily made up of mobilised personnel operating older equipment taken from storage. Its combat effectiveness will likely be limited despite several weeks of training.

There is a realistic possibility that other Russian units are being rotated into Belarus for similar training, and that Russia will continue this model to regenerate and prepare units to maintain its force in Ukraine.