Russia gets broom through army top, according to UK, also ‘Butcher of Syria’ replaced | NOW

Russia is making changes to the military top, according to British intelligence services. At least seven generals are said to have been relieved of their duties in the past month. Among them is Aleksandr Dvornikov, who is notorious for atrocities against the civilian population in Syria, among other places.

Dvornikov has served in the Russian army since 1982. He took part in the Second Chechen War, among other things. After several senior positions, the 60-year-old general took charge in Syria in 2015. His job was to support Syrian President Bashar Al Assad in his fight against the population during the civil war in the country. He received a high military award from Russian President Vladimir Putin in 2016.

Dvornikov was named military commander in Ukraine, according to US intelligence services, because of the disappointing results of the Russian invasion. However, the Kremlin would like to change course again. Colonel General Andrey Serdyukov, who was in charge of the Air Force, would also be replaced.

British intelligence officials say Colonel General Sergey Surovikin is currently leading the offensive in southern Ukraine. Russian troops are being pushed on the defensive in the area by a counter-offensive by the Ukrainian armed forces.

Surovikin has served in the Russian army since 1987 and has held various military positions since then. He is known for his brutal tactics and is involved in several corruption scandals, the British write.

Russia nears complete conquest of Luhansk

In the east, Russia is getting closer to complete conquest of Ukraine’s Luhansk region. The city of Severodonetsk is as good as taken. The nearby smaller town of Lysychansk will fall soon after, military experts suspect.

Ukrainian governor in Luhansk, Serhiy Gaidai, called on Ukrainian armed forces to withdraw on Friday. According to him, it is not useful to defend an area that is almost completely controlled by the Russians.

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