Intense fighting in middle of eastern city as Russia claims advances; Sloviansk death toll rises to 11 while Russian shelling also kills two in Kherson
A Russian commander who was dismissed from the Ukraine war has highly likely returned to a major role, in a move suggesting intense internal tensions about Russia’s military approach to the war, the UK Ministry of Defence says.
The ministry’s latest intelligence update – posted on Twitter – said Gen Col Mikhail Teplinsky, commander of Russia’s corps of airborne troops (VDV), was probably one of the few senior Russian generals “widely respected” by the rank-and-file.
His recent turbulent career suggests intense tensions between factions within the Russian general staff about Russia’s military approach in Ukraine.
It is unlikely Teplinsky’s remit will be limited to VDV units, but he is highly likely to promote the corps’ traditional role as an elite force.
