Putin 'sacks top Russian general' behind failed assaults in eastern Ukraine
Russian president Vladimir Putin is reported to have sacked the commander of his Eastern Group of Forces (EGF), Colonel-General Rustam Muradov, after he presided over a series of failed assaults in eastern Ukraine that led to the deaths of huge numbers of his troops.
The UK's Ministry of Defence (MOD) said reports on Russian social media suggesting Muradov had been dismissed were highly likely to be accurate, as the EGF had suffered exceptionally heavy casualties in recent months.
This was a result of poorly conceived assaults that had repeatedly failed to capture the Donetsk Oblast town of Vuhledar, the MOD said in its latest defence update.
"The operations attracted intense public criticism from across the spectrum of Russian commentators – including Muradov's own troops," the MOD said.
"Muradov took over the EGF after its disastrous attempt to assault Kyiv from the north-west during the initial full-scale invasion.
"He is the most senior Russian military dismissal of 2023 so far, but more are likely as Russia continues to fail to achieve its objectives in the Donbas."
In March, the MOD said Russia was making "creeping gains" in the Donbas region.
Another recent defence update said Russia was looking to sell off some of its future debt to "friendly" states and cover any future costs as a result of the war in Ukraine.
"Such investors would be indirectly financing Russia's invasion of Ukraine," the MOD said.
"Russian officials likely see external debt issuance as one way to plug gaps in Russia's finances as they plan for a long war in Ukraine.
"However, it remains unclear whether Russia will succeed in implementing the measures."
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