In a sign of growing disarray within Russia's military leadership following the failed rebellion by the Wagner mercenary group, two generals have been sacked by the Ministry of Defense in the past week.
Major General Vladimir Seliverstov, commander of the Tula Airborne Division, was dismissed by Russian Minister of Defense Sergei Shoigu, according to Belarusian news outlet Charter97. Despite efforts by the governor of the Tula region, Alexei Dyumin, to defend Seliverstov, his firing was ultimately upheld.
This comes just days after Major General Ivan Popov was also sacked for criticizing the Russian government and raising concerns about high casualty rates and lack of artillery support. Popov claimed in a voice recording that he was fired in retaliation for his criticism and accused Shoigu of approving his dismissal.
The dismissals of Seliverstov and Popov highlight a growing resentment among Russian officers towards the top brass in Moscow. The UK Ministry of Defense noted that Popov's comments draw attention to the serious disaffection many officers likely feel towards the senior military leadership. The agency predicts that direct criticism from subordinates will become an increasing problem for Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and Chief of General Staff General Valery Gerasimov.
In addition to the internal turmoil, Russia has suffered further losses in the war, with two more generals killed in the past week. Lt. Gen Oleg Tsokov was killed on July 11 in a strike on a hotel housing military commanders in Berdyansk on Ukraine's occupied southern coast.
Tsokov, who was deputy commander of Russia's southern military district, was reportedly killed by a Storm Shadow missile provided to Ukraine by the UK. The following day, Maj. Gen. Sergey Goryachev, chief of staff of Russia's 35th Army, was killed by a Ukrainian missile strike on the Zaporizhzhia front. Ukrainian forces have been making gains in their counteroffensive in this area.
The recent dismissals and casualties among Russian commanders highlight the challenges faced by Moscow in maintaining a cohesive and effective military leadership. The discontent among officers and the loss of experienced generals further exacerbate the disarray within the Russian military. As the conflict in Ukraine continues, it remains to be seen how these internal issues will impact Russia's ability to effectively prosecute the war.
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