Posted on 01/11/2023 2:05:50 PM PST by Cronos
President Vladimir Putin has removed Russia's top commander in Ukraine, three months after he was installed.
Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov has been appointed to lead what Russia calls its "special military operation" against its neighbour.
He replaces Sergei Surovikin who has overseen Moscow's brutal attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure.
The reshuffle comes as Russian forces say they are making progress in eastern Ukraine after months of setbacks.
Gen Gerasimov, who has been in post since 2012, is the longest-serving Russian chief of general staff of the post-Soviet era.
Gen Surovikin - now his deputy - has been dubbed "General Armageddon" for his brutal tactics in previous wars, including Russia's operations in Syria.
Shortly after he was appointed to lead the operation in October, Russia began its campaign to destroy Ukraine's energy infrastructure, leaving millions of Ukrainian civilians without heat or power for extended periods in the depths of winter. He also oversaw Russia's withdrawal from the city of Kherson - a major success for the Ukrainians.
Russia's defence ministry said the decision to replace Gen Surovikin was aimed at organising "closer contact between different branches of the armed forces and improving the quality and effectiveness of the management of Russian forces".
But the move has been seen by some as a sign that he may have gained too much power.
(Excerpt) Read more at bbc.com ...
Poor Sergei. Maybe Valery will do a better job of protecting the Motherland.
“This is not a sign of Russian success. I wonder how pro-Russians here are going to spin this.”
My guess is that they will say that Putin is giving all of his generals a chance to lead the invasion. That this is a sign of the glorious Russian advance to the Atlantic ocean by having a musical chairs session
Our resident Putinistas will agree with you, that Pooptin is playing 5D chess and moving Surovkin to head the “Windows” team.
Pooptin great leader - he made the Moskva into the world’s only underwater missile cruiser.
Pooptin great leader - he strengthened NATO and united the Ukrainians.
To me it seems like Prigozhin in his ambitions is a modern-day version of Beria.
When Putin accidently trips and tumbles out of a window, accidently shooting himself three times in the back, after poisoning himself (accidently), then Prigozhin will make a bid for power.
But he has no base with the other players and there will be a stabbing match.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.