Putin likely sought to present himself as commander-in-chief of successful invasion of Ukraine - ISW

Russian President Vladimir Putin's reluctance to appoint an overall theater commander for his invasion of Ukraine has had cascading effects on the Russian military including fueling intense fictionalization, disorganizing command structures, and feeding unattainable expectations.

That's according to the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), Ukrinform reports.

"Western officials reported in April 2022 that Russia had not had a single military commander of its forces in Ukraine since the start of the invasion on February 24, 2022. Putin likely sought to present himself as the commander-in-chief and the mastermind of the successful invasion of Ukraine," experts said.

Captured Russian military plans revealed that the Kremlin expected Russian forces to capture Kyiv in mere days, and Putin had likely wanted to declare this speedy invasion a personal geopolitical victory.

"Putin may have been reluctant to appoint a commander for this invasion to avoid crediting a military commander with the military victory in Ukraine – a dynamic similar to the one between Soviet leader Joseph Stalin and Marshal of the Soviet Union Georgy Zhukov during World War II," ISW said.

Stalin had limited and outdated wartime experience and was reportedly jealous of Zhukov’s military exploits and fame.

"Putin has no military experience, which may have further contributed to his decision not to appoint a commander for his invasion who could have upstaged him by claiming credit for the expected dramatic victory," ISW analysts said.