Putin, one step away from dismissing General Gerasimov. What does the Russian dictator reproach the Chief of the General Staff
President Vladimir Putin reportedly gave an ultimatum to General Valery Gerasimov, the head of the General Staff of the Russian army, to capture the city of Pokrovsk by mid-November.
Vladimir Putin and Valeri Gerasimov/PHOTO: EPA-EFE
According to agents of the “Atesh” movement, which includes officers from one of the Russian military groups, dissatisfaction with the activity of Valery Gerasimov is growing in the Kremlin.
According to the publication's sources, the Kremlin is extremely dissatisfied with its activity, constant failures on the front and the distorted presentation of the real situation. Gerasimov is alleged to have repeatedly provided Putin with false reports, including about “the capture” and “encirclement” to Ukrainian units who, in fact, continue to hold their positions.
Even some of the Russian propagandists are now forced to admit that the general's reports do not correspond to reality.
Under pressure from the Kremlin, Russian forces have stepped up assaults in the Pokrovsk area. The Ukrainian military reports massive attacks with huge casualties for the occupiers, as the Russian command throws dozens of units into battle without adequate armor and artillery support.
Such a tactic, according to experts, does not indicate offensive success, but panic and Gerasimov's attempt to demonstrate “result” at any cost before the set deadline.
According to the information of the movement “Atesh“, Putin's entourage is already discussing candidates to replace Gerasimov. The most likely successor would be Lieutenant General Viktor Poznihir, known as a more controllable officer loyal to the Kremlin.
In September, Putin awarded Gerasimov the “Order of Courage” for “courage and devotion shown in the performance of military duty”, according to a decree published on the official website of the legislative acts of Russia.
