Commander of Russian Central Military District Takes 3-Week Leave During Wartime... Dismissal Rumors Circulate

Criticized for Poor Performance by Putin's Close Aides
Dismissal Rumors Circulate... Russian Defense Ministry Denies

[Image source=Russian Ministry of Defense]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] Controversy has erupted inside and outside Russia after it was revealed that the commander leading the Russian Central Military District forces in the Ukraine war took a three-week leave during wartime. While some speculate that the commander, who has already faced heavy criticism due to successive defeats, may have been dismissed, the Russian Ministry of Defense explained that the leave was granted for medical treatment.

On the 3rd (local time), the Russian local media outlet Ura, citing sources from the Ministry of Defense, reported that Commander Aleksandr Lapin, who commands the Russian Central Military District (CMD) forces deployed on the Ukrainian front, took a three-week leave. His subordinate units are currently deployed to defend Svatove, a key strategic point in eastern Donetsk, which is under Ukrainian offensive and reportedly on the brink of collapse.

The long-term leave of a local commander defending a critical frontline has sparked backlash inside and outside Russia. Earlier, Ramzan Kadyrov, leader of the Chechen mercenary forces at the forefront of Ukraine’s main frontlines, had sharply criticized Commander Lapin for conducting a poor battle. There have also been rumors that Lapin has already been dismissed.

Commander Lapin is a general who was previously awarded a medal and the title of Hero by President Vladimir Putin in July in recognition of his achievements on the Ukrainian front. However, since September, as Ukraine’s counteroffensive intensified and Russia suffered major defeats on key fronts, he has faced various criticisms. Yevgeny Prigozhin, one of President Putin’s closest aides and leader of the mercenary group Wagner, also criticized him, saying, “It is doubtful that Lapin played a role worthy of receiving a medal.”

The Russian Ministry of Defense has not issued an official statement regarding his status, but Russian local media, citing sources, reported that he was wounded on the front and evacuated. RIA Novosti quoted a Ministry of Defense official saying, “Commander Lapin was evacuated by plane and is scheduled to receive treatment at a hospital, and he will return after his leave period ends.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.