August M
Alarm is rising over what Ukrainian forces are facing far from the front line, as attention turns to activities taking place deep in the rear. Military analysts warn that the situation is creating conditions that Russia is able to exploit.
The issue centres on people living in areas where Ukrainian brigades are stationed, and the role some of them are alleged to be playing in the conflict.
Help from locals
According to LA.LV, Ukrainian armed forces are encountering increasing problems linked to local residents in rear areas.
Some members of the population are accused of assisting Russian forces and collaborating with occupying troops.
Jānis Slaidiņš, a major in Latvia’s National Armed Forces and a National Guard staff officer, raised the issue during the TV24 programme “Current Affairs on the Military Operations in Ukraine”. He said that small groups of Russian soldiers have found shelter among civilians.
Slaidiņš explained that these locals not only provide refuge but also support Russian activities by feeding them, giving them water and carrying out reconnaissance.
Impact on operations
According to Slaidiņš, without this local assistance, Russian forces would not have been able to penetrate and establish themselves so deeply in the tactical rear of Ukrainian units.
He said the presence of these so-called “waiters”, people willing to cooperate with Russian troops, has made it possible for Russian forces to operate on a much larger scale than would otherwise be possible.
The situation, he warned, is allowing Russian units to filter into rear areas and undermines Ukrainian defensive efforts.
Calls for decisions
Slaidiņš questioned why no legal or political steps had been taken to remove civilians from strategically sensitive areas if they refuse to evacuate.
“It would be a political and military decision,” he said, adding that without such action, the current conditions continue to favour Russian armed forces.
He argued that allowing civilians to remain in these locations creates “all the prerequisites” for Russian success.
Historical comparison
Slaidiņš also drew a comparison with Latvia, asking how the country would respond if troop movements began along its borders.
“I think there are enough Russians waiting for the world here,” he said, suggesting the problem would not be unique to Ukraine.
He pointed to historical precedent, noting that during World War II, German forces expelled residents from frontline areas, including parts of Courland, as a way of addressing similar risks.
Sources: LA.LV, TV24
