Putin clears up: Disadue of the boss of the Russian land forces

Putin clears up: Disadue of the boss of the Russian land forces

In a surprising step, Russian President Vladimir Putin cleaned up in the military apparatus and released Oleg Saljukov, the commander of the Russian land forces. This decision was published in a decree of the Kremlin without reasons for the dismissal. The Kremlin has also not yet named Saljukov's successor, which raises questions about the future direction of the Russian military leadership. Saljukov, who has been in office since 2014, is appointed deputy secretary of the Russian security council and thus plays an important role in one of the highest national bodies for security issues.

Saljukov's career was characterized by significant missions, including the Russian troops in Syria and the invasion of Ukraine. His discharge follows the deposition of several other high -ranking military in the past few months, which indicates internal tensions in the military. Most recently, Colonel Gennadi Anaschkin was released in November 2024, allegedly because of the forgery of reports, and lieutenant general Vadim Schamarin was arrested on the basis of suspected bribes.

consequences for the military apparatus

The release of Saljukov falls at a time when the military front course is stagnating in Ukraine. Despite some successes, such as recapturing parts of course, progress in other areas remains limited. The Ukrainian military anticipates an impending summer offensive in Russia, while Ukraine has confirmed its position not to want to accept any area statements.

Putin should also use the personnel changes in the military as a means of stabilizing its leadership and adapting to the current war situation. The Kremlin emphasizes that the layoffs are not related to the setbacks in the Ukraine War, although criticism of military leadership increases.

background of the military reforms

The latest developments are part of a larger context that is characterized by previous military reforms in Russia. These reforms carried out from 2008 to 2012 aimed to improve the strategic mobility of the armed forces and increase the number of elite units. Despite a reduction in the officers' positions and a restructuring of the military to more efficient units, the Russian armed forces in Ukraine have to deal with challenges that affect their operational and morality.

A review of the military history also shows that Russia may be able to return to a phase in which mass mobilization is necessary if the geopolitical conditions should further tighten. This possibility could bring additional uncertainties in the military leadership structure, while the authoritarian regime of Putin continues to respond to the management of internal and external challenges.

The coming weeks and months will be crucial to observe how the situation develops in both Ukraine and within the Russian military. Personnel decisions could have long -term effects on the military strategy of Russia and influence the balance in the region.