In the war against Ukraine, the Kremlin is apparently replacing another commander. According to reports, Colonel-General Lapin has vacated his post. According to the British Ministry of Defence, Moscow is trying to protect the top leadership in the Kremlin from blame.
According to British intelligence experts, Russia is trying to shift the responsibility for the poor performance of its invading troops in Ukraine to commanders. Reports about the renewed replacement of a high-ranking Russian officer speak in favor of this.
Accordingly, the controversial Colonel-General Alexander Lapin is said to have been relieved of his office at the end of October. Lapin served as the commander of the Central Military District in Ukraine. Major General Alexander Linkov was reportedly appointed as his successor on 3 November.
"If confirmed, this joins a series of sackings of top Russian commanders since the invasion began in February 2022," said the UK Defense Ministry's daily Ukraine War Intelligence Update. The commanders of the East, South and West Military Districts were replaced earlier this year. "This is in part an attempt to shield Russian leaders at home and deflect blame," the statement continued.
After the withdrawal of Russian troops from Lyman as a result of the Ukrainian Kharkiv offensive, Lapin was heavily criticized by Chechen rulers Ramzan Kadyrov, among others. Due to the defeat, Kadyrov demanded that Lapin be deposed, demoted and sent to the front as a simple soldier.
The British Ministry of Defense has published daily information on the course of the war since the start of the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine. The government wants to counter the Russian portrayal and keep allies in line. Moscow accuses London of a disinformation campaign.
