In the wake of military setbacks in Ukraine, Putin upsizes the Russian army and promotes over 60 officers, some of whom are criticized for contributing to high army losses. Controversial figures like Chechen Akhmed Sukhrab, implicated in the failed Vuhledar storm attempt and the deaths of numerous soldiers near Kremmina, have been given promotions.
Amidst the ongoing assault on Ukraine, Putin bestows general rank advancements on 67 officers, including Sukhrab and others with questionable war records. Promoting these officers can serve several strategic and political objectives.
Firstly, the morale of Russian forces can be enhanced by elevating resilient and determined leaders during challenging times. Secondly, Putin can reinforce his power within the military by ensuring loyal individuals occupy key positions. Thirdly, maintaining regional loyalty can be achieved through the promotion of officers like Sukhrab from specific regions, such as Chechnya.
Fourthly, these promotions can symbolize a victory for Putin, showcasing his control and decisiveness despite military setbacks. Lastly, potentially dividing the Western coalition supporting Ukraine can be accomplished by promoting controversial figures, sparking debates and criticisms within NATO and other alliances, weakening their unity and support for Ukraine.
With the military facing setbacks in Ukraine, Putin is using promotions to orchestrate a multi-pronged strategy that boosts morale, strengthens power, maintains regional loyalty, and creates external distractions. However, there might be underlying factors driving these promotions, including loyalty and control, political maneuvering, public perception, strategic reevaluation, and economic and resource constraints.
As Putin elevates controversial officers with a history of losses, it remains to be seen how this will affect the war effort and the overall dynamics of the Russian military. It's essential to consider the implications of these promotions on the military, geopolitics, and the public perception of the conflict.
