Dozens of high-ranking officers are said to have fallen on the Russian side in the Ukraine war. The reports, which are often based on Ukrainian information, are supported by Western intelligence information. The consequences for the Russian soldiers are said to be enormous.
According to British findings, Russia suffered "devastating losses" in its officer corps in the war against Ukraine. Brigade and battalion commanders are active on the front line, the Ministry of Defense said in London, citing intelligence findings. On the one hand, this is because they are held personally responsible for the success of their units. In addition, the Russian army lacked qualified non-commissioned officers who fulfilled this role in Western armed forces.
But these heavy losses would have several consequences for the Russian armed forces, the ministry stressed. For example, newly formed battalions are probably less effective due to the lack of junior leaders. In addition, there is a danger that existing problems such as a lack of discipline and weak morals will be exacerbated. There are credible reports of isolated mutinies. Finally, the modernization of the army will be made more difficult, the ministry said.
There have been reports of fallen high-ranking Russian generals and officers since the beginning of the war. Most recently, Putin is said to have lost two officers, according to Ukrainian media. 34-year-old Colonel Alexander Dosiagaiev is said to have been killed by Ukrainian troops. He commanded the 104th Parachute Battalion, and parts of his troops are said to have been stationed in Bucha.
The Russian media outlet Mediazona confirmed the death of another colonel, who was killed back in March. 41-year-old Vladimir Ivanov was labeled a "propagandist" in the Ukrainian media because he worked in the Information and Mass Communications Department of the Russian Defense Ministry.
A few days ago, Ukrainian media also reported the downing of a Russian fighter jet. According to the BBC, Major General Kanamat Botashov was said to have been in the cockpit. Botashov would be the highest-ranking Russian air force officer killed since the beginning of the aggressive war against Ukraine. However, he was released from the army and placed in reserve in 2013 after the crash with a Su-27. As it turned out, he had flown the fighter jet without the necessary certification. At that time, Botashov was able to save himself with an ejection seat. It is not clear how the general was deployed in Ukraine.
According to media reports in Russia, a covert mobilization of military personnel who have been retired has been going on for months. So far, at least nine Russian reserve officers older than 50 are said to have died during the war in Ukraine.
