Major reshuffle in Russian army in the midst of war, Putin removed ground force chief

In the midst of the Russia-Ukraine war, President Vladimir Putin has removed the head of the Russian Army, General Oleg Salyukov, from his post and sent him to the Security Council. This decision was taken amid the strategic changes in the war and recent failures. At present, the new chief in place of Salyukov has not been announced.

Amid the Russia-Ukraine war, there has been a major and shocking reshuffle in the Russian army. President Vladimir Putin has removed the head of the Russian Army, General Oleg Salyukov, from his post. This decision has been taken at a time when Russia's war strategies are facing international criticism. Salyukov was the commander-in-chief of Russia's ground forces since 2014 and has now been appointed to the post of Deputy Secretary in the Russian Security Council.

General Salyukov's tenure was known for the incorporation of modern weapons and strategic reforms, but the sudden attack by Ukraine in the Kursk region in 2024 raised many questions about the security of Russia's borders. After this incident, pressure increased on the Russian leadership to change the ground strategy. It is believed that Putin has taken this big decision, feeling the need for new enthusiasm and change in the army.

No new chief announced

At present, no new chief has been announced in place of Salyukov, but there is speculation that a young and war-experienced general may be entrusted with this responsibility. This reshuffle is being seen as a link to the major changes already taking place in the Defense Ministry. A few days ago, economic expert Andrei Belousov was appointed the new Defense Minister in place of Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu. Belousov reviewed the Victory Day Parade, which Shoigu used to do earlier. This was seen as a sign of display of military power.

One and a half lakh soldiers recruited in one month

Russia's army is at the forefront of the war and is facing the most pressure. Putin's order to recruit 1.6 lakh new soldiers in March 2025 is an indication of this pressure. Russia has recently made some progress in the Donbass region, but at the cost of huge manpower and resources. In this situation, the change in the leadership of the army is being considered an attempt to give a new direction to the war strategy.

Why the decision to send it to the Security Council?

Political analysts believe that sending Salyukov to the Security Council could be a face saving decision so that there is no displeasure among the military leadership. Also, this change could be part of Putin's broader strategy through which he is facing Western pressure and domestic challenges. The visit of US special envoy Steve Witkoff to Moscow and Donald Trump's public appeal to stop the attack on Ukraine also makes the context of this military change more important.

PC:TV9Bharatvarsh