Putin Fires Top Officials Who Performed “Poorly” During Invasion

(JustPatriots.com)- The situation for Russian military officers in Ukraine is deteriorating, with commanders who have not been killed now being dismissed.

Russia is removing senior commanders for poor performance in Ukraine, according to the United Kingdom’s Ministry of Defense. The news comes following claims earlier this week that “many” high-ranking officers had been slain.

The Defense Ministry tweeted that Russia has removed top officers in recent weeks who are thought to have done badly during the early stages of its invasion of Ukraine.
A culture of cover-ups and scapegoating is expected in the Russian military and security establishment.

The United Kingdom has named two generals on the chopping block. However, the government has hinted that additional officials may be on their way out.

The commander of Russia’s 1st Guards Tank Army, Lt. Gen. Serhiy Kisel, was suspended for failing to conquer Kharkiv.

Last weekend, Ukrainian soldiers forced Russia out of the territory and back over the border, according to authorities. Since Russia entered the nation on February 24, the northeastern city has been under relentless bombardment.

According to the United Kingdom, Russia’s Black Sea Fleet commander, Vice Admiral Igor Osipov, was “possibly” suspended after Russia’s flagship, the Moskva, sank. There is significant disagreement about what caused the ship’s fate, with Ukrainian troops saying a missile damaged the vessel and Russia alleging an onboard fire.

According to the United Kingdom, Russian Chief of General Staff Valery Gerasimov “likely remains in place, although it is uncertain if he retains President [Vladimir] Putin’s trust.”

According to unidentified Western military sources, Putin has become so anxious about his generals’ performance that he is now making choices for them.
A military insider added that they believe Putin and Gerasimov participate in tactical decision-making at a level that a colonel or brigadier would ordinarily take.

As commanders leave their postings, the already stressful situation for military leadership may worsen.

The United Kingdom stated that many officials participating in the invasion of Ukraine would likely become increasingly sidetracked by efforts to dodge personal responsibility for Russia’s operational setbacks. As officers increasingly want to postpone crucial decisions to their superiors, Russia’s centralized command and control organization will undoubtedly strain.

In these circumstances, regaining the upper hand for Russia will be tough.