Russia Deploys Nuclear Force Personnel to Ukraine Front Lines
To bolster its flagging offensive in Ukraine, Russia has deployed assault units formed from personnel of its Strategic Rocket Forces (RVSN). These units, initially observed near the Russian-Donetsk Oblast border in November 2024, are now engaged in combat around Toretsk. The redeployment includes personnel from the RVSN’s 12th Main Directorate, responsible for nuclear weapons storage, and elements of the 132nd Motorized Rifle Brigade. Formation of these RVSN-based infantry units began as early as mid-2024, highlighting Russia’s increasing reliance on unconventional troop sources to sustain its war effort.
John Q. Hosedrinker