The poor performance of the armed forces during the invasion cost Russia’s military leadership dearly, leading to the likely sacking of at least six Russian commanders, the British Ministry of Defense said in its daily bulletin on the Ukrainian front, based on intelligence.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Navy Admiral Mykola YevmenovPhoto: Mykhailo Klimentiev / AP / Profimedia

As an example, the British agency reminds that Colonel-General Oleksandr Chaika was dismissed in the Eastern Military District in May. Colonel-General Oleksandr Zhuravlev, who commanded the Western Military District since 2018, no longer took part in the celebrations for the Day of the Russian Navy in St. Petersburg on July 31.

According to British intelligence services, Yuravlyov was most likely replaced by Lieutenant General Volodymyr Kotsetkov.

Also, General Oleksandr Dvornikov was dismissed from his post shortly after he assumed overall command of the Russian campaign in Ukraine.

General Serhii Surovikin took command of the Southern group of Russian troops from General Gennady Zhidek, British special services report.

In addition, at least 10 Russian generals died on the battlefield in Ukraine, according to a British report.