He replaces Sergei Surovikin, who was appointed as commander three months ago.
, who was appointed to the post just three months ago. Surovikin has been demoted to one of Gerasimov's deputies.The ministry said in a statement that Gerasimov's promotion was in part to address the "need to organize closer interaction between the branches and arms of the Armed Forces" and improve the support and effectiveness of "command and control of groupings of troops.
"The move is likely to be greeted with extreme displeasure by much of the Russian ultra-nationalist and military blogger community, who have increasingly blamed Gerasimov for the poor execution of the war," the update reads. "In contrast, Surovikin has been widely praised by this community for his championing of a more realistic approach. As a now deputy commander, his authority and influence is almost certainly hugely reduced."Surovikin was appointed Russia's commander in Ukraine in October after Russian forces faced several setbacks in the war.
But those setbacks largely continued under Surovikin's leadership. In November, Russian forces withdrew from Kherson, the only provincial capital its military captured since invading Ukraine.Russian forces and fighters with a private Russian mercenary group, known as the Wagner Group, are currently locked in an intense battle over the eastern Ukrainian city of
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Who is Valery Gerasimov, Russia's new top commander in Ukraine?Chief of the Russian General Staff Valery Gerasimov has been named as the new commander of Moscow's military campaign in Ukraine. How will he measure up to his predecessor nicknamed 'General Armageddon'?
Read more »
Russia appoints Gerasimov as top commander in UkraineRussian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu appointed Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov on Wednesday to oversee Russia's military campaign in Ukraine in the latest shake-up of Moscow's military leadership. Shoigu appointed Gerasimov as commander of the combined forces group for Moscow's 'special military operation' in Ukraine, the defence ministry said in a statement.
Read more »
Russia replaces military commander in Ukraine again — after just 3 monthsRussia has again replaced its military commander in Ukraine, putting army chief Valery Gerasimov in charge of its forces in the conflict, the defense ministry said Wednesday.
Read more »
Putin replaces commander of Russia’s war in Ukraine after just 3 monthsValery Gerasimov takes over from Sergei Surovikin, who will now serve as one of his deputies, Russia's defense ministry said Wednesday.
Read more »
Russia to start producing Iranian Shahed drones themselves, Ukraine claimsThe weapons, which have played a critical part in the war in Ukraine, can reach a top speed of about 115 mph.
Read more »
Russia claims fatal retaliatory strike Ukraine denies happenedRussian forces claimed to have killed hundreds of Ukrainian troops this weekend in response to a recent mass casualty event Ukrainians conducted against them, but there’s scant evidence Moscow's strike actually happened.
Read more »