Russia has reportedly replaced one of its top logistical generals following several setbacks in its invasion of Ukraine that began in February.
Army General Dmitry Bulgakov, 67, was relieved of his post and replaced by 60-year-old Col. Gen. Mikhail Mizintsev on Saturday, AFP reported, adding that it is not clear what position Bulgakov has been reassigned to.
Mizintsev is known in the region as the “butcher of Mariupol” due to his role in capturing the Ukrainian town earlier this year.
The move comes as a successful counteroffensive by Ukrainian troops has pushed back Russian forces in the northeastern region of Kharkiv.
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Russian President Vladimir Putin announced in a seven-minute address this week he was launching a “partial mobilization” of new troops by conscripting all reservists and able-bodied veterans to the fight.
“Citizens who are currently in the reserve will be subject to conscription,” he said early Wednesday. “And above all, those who served in the armed forces have a certain military specialty and relevant experience.”
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According to one top official in Ukraine’s defense ministry, Russia saw high personnel losses during the counteroffensive, losing “nine to 10” Russian soldiers for every one Ukrainian, though death tolls throughout the war have not been independently verified by Fox News Digital.
Western defense officials said the retreat signified Russia’s inability not only to rearm its forces, but to add men back into the ranks.
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Reports have since surfaced suggesting there was a breakdown in command and control in Russia’s ranks as it withdrew from Kharkiv, prompting its soldiers to abandon not only military equipment but their own troops.
But Western officials have said it is too early to say if Ukraine’s ability to recapture some 3,300 square miles is a turning point or whether Russia has another operational ploy up its weathered sleeve.
Fox News’ Caitlin McFall contributed to this report.
