Russia names new commander for forces in Ukraine

Russia's defence ministry has named Gen. Sergei Surovikin as the new overall commander of the country's forces fighting in Ukraine, news outlets have reported.

Russian President Vladimir Putin (right) decorates Gen. Sergei Surovikin (left) for his service in Syria during a ceremony at the Kremlin on December 28, 2017.

Photo: EPA/ALEXEI DRUZHININ/SPUTNIK/KREMLIN

The appointment, announced by the Russian defence ministry on Saturday, marks Moscow's third senior military appointment in the space of a week after a series of setbacks in its military campaign in Ukraine, the Reuters news agency reported.

General Sergei Surovikin has been appointed commander of the joint grouping of #Russian troops in #Ukraine. Surovikin led the grouping of Russian troops in #Syria in 2017 and 2019, and is also the commander-in-chief of the Russian Aerospace Forces. pic.twitter.com/TBLBoReGIa

— NEXTA (@nexta_tv) October 8, 2022

Surovikin's promotion comes amid growing criticism of President Vladimir Putin's top military brass, according to Polish news outlets.

It follows the reported firing of the commanders of two of Russia's five military regions, according to Reuters.

Surovikin has led Russia's Aerospace Forces since 2017, Polish state news agency PAP reported.

According to the Russian defence ministry, he commanded a division stationed in Chechnya in 2004 and was awarded a medal for his service in Syria in 2017.

Sunday is day 229 of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

(gs)

Source: PAP, Reuters