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Popov’s resignation over his criticism of the grievances and the large loss of Russian soldiers confirms that Moscow’s defense positions in Ukraine are “likely to be vulnerable,” according to an analysis by the US Institute for War Studies (ISW) on Thursday (local time) . The experts referred to their earlier estimates that the Russian armed forces, for example, had no reserves for rotations.
In the event of a breakthrough by Ukrainian forces during their counter-offensive, Russian positions would not be supported, ISW experts said. They expect Popov’s departure to have at most “marginal” effects. However, they emphasize: “The increasingly fragile Russian command structure could lead to a critical command and control crisis in the future, in which field commanders’ support for the Russian military command could become increasingly weak.”
Popov, who commanded the 58th Army in Ukraine’s occupied Zaporizhia region, said his criticisms aligned with others. For example, the head of Russia’s private army, Yevgeny Prigozhin, accused Wagner of incompetence, as did Chief of Staff Valeri Gerasismow and Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu. It may also have been Popov’s aim to depose Gerasimov as commander-in-chief for the war against Ukraine. However, the chief of staff tries to avoid criticism and not let it reach Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin.
According to the ISW experts, the Russian forces are on the defensive and doing everything they can to hold their positions. Meanwhile, the Ukrainian army continues its counter-offensive on at least three sectors of the front and is gaining ground in some regions.
The aim of the Kiev offensive is to liberate all areas from Russian occupation – including the Black Sea peninsula of Crimea, which was annexed in 2014. Russia started its war against Ukraine on February 24, 2022.
(SDA)
Source: Blick
I am Amelia James, a passionate journalist with a deep-rooted interest in current affairs. I have more than five years of experience in the media industry, working both as an author and editor for 24 Instant News. My main focus lies in international news, particularly regional conflicts and political issues around the world.
