Russia returns suspended general to war in Ukraine - UK intelligence

The UK Defense Ministry said this in a new intelligence update published on Twitter, according to Ukrinform.

General Colonel Mikhail Teplinsky, commander of Russia's corps of airborne troops, the VDV, has highly likely returned to a major role in Ukraine. He was previously dismissed from the theater in January 2023.

"Teplinsky is likely one of the few senior Russian generals widely respected by the rank-and-file. His recent turbulent career suggests intense tensions between factions within the Russian General Staff about Russia's military approach in Ukraine," the ministry said.

It is unlikely Teplinsky's remit will be limited to VDV units, but he is highly likely to promote the corps' traditional role as an elite force.

"In recent days, the [Russian] VDV have resumed a key mission in the battle for Bakhmut, and likely undertaken novel integration with TOS-1A thermobaric rocket launchers in the Kreminna sector," UK intelligence said.