Russia reinstates key commander in Ukraine amid internal disagreements

2023-04-16 22:39:15

“He is in all probability one of the few high-ranking Russian generals widely respected by the bases,” the UK Ministry of Defense collects in its daily intelligence updates made public this Sunday on social networks. But the recent changes in his destiny suggest “strong tensions” within the Russian General Staff “on the military approach in Ukraine”.

This is the Colonel General Mijail Teplinsky, who has once again been appointed commander of the Russian Army Airborne Troops (VDV), according to information from the British Ministry. It is a position that he held to date Oleg Makarevichanother renowned officer who was promoted to the same rank in February.

Teplinsky had already held that same position since June last year, but a reorganization of forces in January momentarily removed him from the theater of operations.

Now, as the fighting concentrates in Bakhmut and Ukrainian forces maintain their positions in various parts of the city, Teplinsky, born in Donetskreturns with the task of stimulating the offense.

“It is unlikely that Teplinsky’s activity is limited to airborne units. On the contrary, it is very likely that he defends the traditional role of the body like an elite force”explains the UK Ministry of Defense.

British intelligence assures in the report that the Airborne Troops retook a “key mission” in the battle of Bakhmut, where they are supported by Wagner’s mercenaries.

The return of Teplinsky, sanctioned by the United Kingdom since December 2022 for his role in the invasion, reveals something more than the intention of the Russian military high command to revitalize the offensive, according to analysts. It is a movement that exposes the division within the Russian General Staff who drives Valeri Guerásimov.

The general seeks to “impose his personal authority on the campaign”, collects British intelligence, while criticism of Wagner’s boss persists, Yevgeny Prigozhinand some Russian military bloggers affiliated with the hard wing of the Kremlin.