Russian General Lapin's Missteps Weakened Defense in Kursk Region, — WSJ

Russian General Alexander Lapin's decision to disband the interdepartmental defense council in the Kursk region months before a major offensive by Ukrainian forces led to a weakened Russian defense, the Wall Street Journal reports, citing Russian intelligence sources.

The council, which previously coordinated military and special services in the region, was dissolved in the spring, with Lapin asserting that only the military had the resources to protect the Russian border. However, the lack of a unified command center created chaos among Russian security forces during the Ukrainian offensive. As a result, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, FSB, and Ministry of Defense competed for control, leading to disorganized and ineffective responses.

Although Lapin is not solely blamed for the failures, his actions are seen as emblematic of the broader detachment of Russia's military leadership from the realities of war. This was not Lapin's first strategic error; his failure to secure the northeast of Ukraine in 2022 allowed Ukrainian forces to regain territory. Despite being removed from his post as commander of the Central Military District in November 2022, Lapin was reassigned in January 2023 to head the main staff of Russia's ground forces, overseeing defense operations in border regions, including the Belgorod region, where his performance remained under scrutiny.

Ukraine has a very efficient intelligence service. I am sure they were aware when the incursion began.