Putin sacks deputy defence chief over supply failures
Russian President Vladimir Putin has sacked the general responsible for managing the Russian military’s faltering logistics operations in Ukraine.
According to the defence ministry on Telegram, Gen Dmitry Bulgakov, 67, a deputy defence minister, was withdrawn from his position on Saturday and would be transferred to a new role.
Nexus News gathered he will be replaced by Col Gen Mikhail Mizintsev, who managed Moscow’s brutal siege at the port city of Mariupol.
Since 2008, Gen Bulgakov has operated the military’s logistics operations and was responsible for keeping Russian troops supplied after their deployment to Syria in 2015.
However, observers say he has become side-lined in Moscow in recent months, with many accusing him of the turbulent logistics operations that have dogged Russia’s advance and seen their troops left undersupplied.
The Kremlin has in recent months been compelled to approach North Korea and Iran – two of its only remaining allies – for new artillery and drone supplies.
The General’s dismissal comes as footage leaked on social media revealing newly drafted Russian recruits being equipped with rusty assault rifles.
Pro-war figures in Russia have hailed his dismissal and the appointment of Gen Mizintsev – who was sanctioned by the UK for his role commanding the Mariupol siege – will likely be welcomed by hardliners.
Gen Mizintsev, who was labeled “the Butcher of Mariupol” by many Ukrainians, also led Russian forces in Syria and was accused of orchestrating a brutal bombing campaign that grounded the city of Aleppo.
