Putin dismisses the commander of Russian forces in Ukraine 3 months after his appointment

General Gerasimov, who has held the post since 2012, is the longest-serving Russian chief of staff in the post-Soviet era.

Surovikin, now his deputy, has been nicknamed “General Armageddon” for his brutal tactics in previous wars, including Russia’s operations in Syria and the heavy shelling of the city of Aleppo in particular.

Shortly after he was appointed to lead military operations in Ukraine in October, Russia began its campaign to destroy the European nation’s energy infrastructure, leaving millions of Ukrainian civilians without electricity or running water for extended periods in the dead of winter.

He also oversaw Russia’s withdrawal from the southern city of Kherson, a huge success for the Ukrainians.

The Russian Defense Ministry said the decision to replace General Surovikin was aimed at organizing “closer contact between the different branches of the armed forces and improving the quality and effectiveness of the management of Russian forces.”

But some have seen the decision as a sign that he may have gained too much power.

“As a unified commander in the Ukraine, Surovikin was becoming very powerful and was probably bypassing the [ministro de Defensa ruso Sergei] Shoigu and Gerasimov when talking to Putin,” military analyst Rob Lee wrote on Twitter.

Some of Russia’s hardline military bloggers, who support the war but frequently criticize the way it is being conducted, have been highly critical of Russia’s military leadership, including the new “special operation” chief, General Gerasimov.

Wednesday’s announcement comes as Fighting continues in Soledar.

The fall of Soledar may help Russian troops in their assault on the strategic city of Bakhmut, some 10 km to the southwest, providing them with a secure artillery position within range of the city.

Soledar also has deep salt mines, which could be used to station troops and store equipment, protected from Ukrainian missiles.

The Russian mercenary group Wagner Group has taken full credit for the assault on Soledar.

On Tuesday night, the group’s leader, Yevgeny Prigozhin, said his forces were in full control of Soledar. However, on Wednesday, the Russian Defense Ministry issued a statement that appeared to contradict his claims.

The Ukrainian government denies that Soledar has fallen into the hands of the Russians.

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