Conflict in Ukraine: Sergei Surovikin dismissed as leader of Ukraine invasion operation
In a recent development, President Vladimir Putin has made a significant move in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine by replacing General Valery Gerasimov, the top commander in Ukraine, with a new leader for the "unique military operation" in Ukraine.
The decision to replace Gerasimov comes amidst heavy losses suffered by Russian forces under his command during the war in Ukraine. This indicates that his removal was linked to dissatisfaction with military performance and command failures.
Gerasimov, known for his role in managing Russia's campaign to destroy Ukraine's energy facilities, leaving many Ukrainian civilians without power or running water for extended periods during winter, was a controversial figure. His hardline tactics have been a subject of criticism both within and outside Russia.
The reshuffle comes after Russians claim they are making progress in eastern Ukraine following a series of military defeats in recent months. The loss of Soledar, a strategic town located 10km (6 miles) south-west of Bakhmut, may provide a strategic advantage for Russian soldiers in their assault on Bakhmut. However, the control of Soledar remains unclear, with both Ukrainian and Russian forces claiming victories. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky denies that Soledar has fallen, stating that fighting continues.
Russia's mercenary Wagner Group claims full credit for "storming" Soledar, but there is an apparent difference in Russia's official story about the recent events in Soledar, suggesting divisions in the Russian military leadership, particularly between the Wagner Group and the ministry. Yevgeny Prigozhin, the leader of the Wagner Group, has repeatedly claimed that his forces were in full control of Soledar, but a Russian ministry statement seemed to contradict his claim or suggest only Wagner Group soldiers were involved.
There is no independent confirmation of the number of casualties or control of Soledar. Images published by the US-based Maxar Technologies company show the scale of destruction in Soledar during recent fighting.
Military expert Rob Lee wrote on Twitter that as the combined leader in Ukraine, Gerasimov was becoming increasingly powerful and was likely bypassing Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and Gerasimov when speaking with Putin. The new commander's identity has not been confirmed in the current search results.
In summary, General Valery Gerasimov has been replaced as the commander in Ukraine due to heavy losses suffered by Russian forces under his leadership. The new commander's identity remains unknown, and further up-to-date reports would be necessary for confirmation. The conflict in Ukraine continues, with fighting ongoing in Soledar, and both Ukrainian and Russian forces claiming victories.
The news of General Valery Gerasimov's replacement as the commander in Ukraine, amidst heavy losses, signals a restructuring in war-and-conflicts management, particularly in the ongoing general-news event of the conflict in Ukraine. The new commander's identity, as yet unconfirmed, raises questions about the country's political landscape as the struggle persists, with the ongoing standoff in Soledar stirring further speculation.
