British Defence Intelligence: Putin Fires Some Senior Commanders For War Failures, Gerasimov Fate Is Unclear

Many Russian officials involved in the invasion of Ukraine fear for their lives.

In recent weeks, Russia has fired senior commanders who are considered to have performed poorly during the opening stages of its invasion of Ukraine.

Lieutenant General Serhiy Kisel, who commanded the elite 1st Guards Tank Army, has been suspended for his failure to capture Kharkiv, according to a morning report of the British Defence Intellegence.

Vice Admiral Igor Osipov, who commanded Russia's Black Sea Fleet, has also likely been suspended following the sinking of the cruiser Moskva in April.

As for Russian Chief of the General Staff Valeriy Gerasimov, he likely remains in post, but it is unclear whether he retains the confidence of President Putin.

The British Defence Intelligence also reported that many officials involved in the invasion of Ukraine will likely be increasingly distracted by efforts to avoid personal culpability for Russia's operational set-backs.

This will likely place further strain on Russia's centralised model of command and control, as officers increasingly seek to defer key decisions to their superiors.