Russia's Futile Dream: Leaked Confidential Documents Claim "Ukraine Can Be Occupied in 10 Days"

UK Think Tank Obtains "Pre-Approved Invasion Plan Document by Putin"
"Plans to Seize Key Facilities Like Power Plants, Kill Leadership, and Incorporate Residents"

Russian President Vladimir Putin encouraging Dongwon Reserve Forces soldiers. Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Lee Gyehwa] The Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) in the UK has obtained classified Russian documents containing the pre-planned invasion of Ukraine approved by Russian President Vladimir Putin, Sky News UK reported on the 2nd (local time).

It is reported that Russia initially set a goal to complete the occupation within 10 days of the invasion of Ukraine and to annex it by August this year, aiming for a war victory.

To this end, Russia aimed to prioritize control over Ukraine's power plants, airports, capital facilities, central bank, and parliament. RUSI stated, "Russia planned to initiate the invasion with large-scale missile strikes and air raids on Ukrainian military facilities," adding, "Power plants and railways were not targeted as primary infrastructure for the occupation of Ukraine."

The documents also included a plot to eliminate high-ranking Ukrainian officials. Russia categorized Ukrainian officials into four groups: 'targets for assassination,' 'targets for intimidation,' 'targets for cooperation encouragement,' and 'collaborators,' and compiled lists accordingly. The top officials on the list were planned to be handled by Russian special forces. Cooperation was forcibly imposed on governors and local governments in various Ukrainian regions, and roles such as the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) arresting local government officials were also assigned.

There was also evidence that Russia operated 'filtration camps' to incorporate Ukrainian citizens into Russia. Filtration camps were facilities operated by Russian forces during the late 1990s Chechen wars to identify rebels, also known as 'filtration detention centers' or 'purification camps,' notorious for beating and torturing civilians.

RUSI reported that Russia intended to bring in Russian teachers and officials to 're-educate' Ukrainian citizens. RUSI added, "Only a few Russian officials were aware of this plan," and "Even Russian military commanders did not know about the plan until a few days before the full-scale invasion began, and tactical units received related orders only a few hours before the invasion started."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.