Humiliation For Surovikin

• VOLODYMYR FESENKO
• 12.01.2023, 12:18

On why the Kremlin is shuffling the general pack.

Putin is again shuffling his general pack. A well-known rule is mentioned: "rearranging the numbers doesn't change the sum". One could also paraphrase the Russian fable writer: "And you, friends, no matter where you sit, are not cut out to be the winners".

For Surovikin, Putin's decision is a demotion and humiliation, while for General Gerasimov, the head of the Russian General Staff, it is certainly not a promotion, but rather an electric chair for prolonged torture.

Yet this reshuffle of generals is further evidence of the Russian president's desperate need for new staffing. He bargains one trouble for another.

At the same time it is further evidence of Putin's paranoia. He trusts no one and is constantly renewing his system of restraints and counterweights. Last year he appointed Surovikin as commander of the united group of forces in Ukraine and removed General Lapin from the front at the request of Prigozhin and Kadyrov. That still did not mean a weakening of Shoigu's and Gerasimov's positions.

Now it seems to be the other way round. Lapin is being returned to his high post. Surovikin is not removed, but is subordinated to Gerasimov. The impression is that Putin is deliberately pitting fierce "brethren" against each other.

It is a demonstration that no one is guaranteed anything, but everyone must answer to Putin. But what is the Russian leader responsible for himself? He does not want to answer for defeats and there are no victories.

The last Russian emperor, Nicholas II, used to shuffle his generals in the same way, then eventually appointed himself commander-in-chief. We know very well how it ended. Putin considers Peter the Great a role model, but is rather following the path of Nicholas I and Nicholas II. Both ended badly. Such an irony of historical fate.

Volodymyr Fesenko, nv.ua