Generals’ replacements have done little to improve Russia’s battlefield performance - British intelligence

According to Ukrinform, the UK Ministry of Defense said this in an intelligence update on Wednesday.

“At the tactical level, there is almost certainly a worsening shortage of capable Russian junior officers to organise and lead newly mobilised reservists. Eyewitness testimony suggests that the shooting of 11 Russian soldiers near Belgorod by a fellow recruit on 15 October 2022 occurred after an officer’s abusive comments towards ethnic minority recruits. Poor lower-level leadership is likely worsening the low morale and poor unit cohesion in many parts of the Russian force,” the ministry said.

It is noted that four of the five generals with direct operational command of elements of the invasion in February 2022 have now been dismissed. Their replacements have so far done little to improve Russia’s battlefield performance.

“The lack of command continuity will likely be more disruptive than in a Western military because under Russian doctrine the development of plans sits largely with the commander personally, rather than as a collective effort across a broader staff,” the ministry said.

As Ukrinform reported, from February 24 to October 19, the Armed Forces of Ukraine eliminated about 66,280 Russian troops in Ukraine.

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