Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu announced today that Chief of the General Staff of National Defence Valery Gerasimov is taking over as head of Moscow’s forces participating in the “special military operation” in Ukraine. “Special military operation” is the term the Kremlin uses to describe the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Since last October, General Sergey Surovikin, known as “General Armageddon”, has been in charge of the Russian forces in Ukraine. General Surovikin will remain Gerasimov’s deputy.

The Ministry of Defence stated in a relevant press release that the appointment of General Gerasimov aims to strengthen the effectiveness of military operations in Ukraine, approximately ten months after Russia launched the attack on its neighbouring country.

Both Gerasimov and Shoigu have come under heavy criticism from military analysts over the failures of Russian forces in Ukraine, in a campaign the Kremlin believed would soon end, according to Reuters.

Meanwhile, the Wagner group, a private mercenary military outfit claimed it has taken control of Soledar, a salt mine town in eastern Ukraine, as the Russian forces are reportedly closing in on Bahmut from all directions. Ukraine claims the town is still in dispute.