Girkin's arrest is likely to anger Russian military commanders and soldiers, who see him as 'an astute military analyst and patriot.' - British Intelligence

The arrest of the former leader of the so-called "Donetsk People's Republic" (DPR) Girkin will anger fellow members of the mil-blogger community - and elements within the serving military.

This was reported by the press service of the UK Ministry of Defence.

Some military personnel and bloggers see him as "an astute military analyst and patriot".

The intelligence service adds that the taboo against unmasked criticism of the Putin regime has significantly weakened in Russia.

The former DPR leader has been a critic of the Russian Ministry of Defence’s conduct of the war. However, in recent days his comments turned to direct criticism of Russian President Vladimir Putin and his time in power.

"While Girkin is no ally of the Wagner Group, he was likely only prepared to push the limits of public criticism in the context of Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin’s June 2023 abortive mutiny.," the report reads.

As a reminder, on July 21, the Meshchansky Court in Moscow allegedly placed Igor Girkin (Strelkov) under arrest until September 18. He is accused of extremist activities.