Putin Dismisses Russian Commander Awarded 'Hero' Medal... Fourth Command Change

Injury and Leave Rumors Run Rampant, Ultimately Leading to Dismissal
"Incompetent" Controversy Amid Military Morale Decline

[Image source=Russian Ministry of Defense]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] The commander of the Russian Central Military District (CMD), who recently became a subject of controversy for taking a three-week leave during wartime, has reportedly been dismissed, drawing significant attention. This individual had previously been personally awarded the title of 'Hero' and a medal by Russian President Vladimir Putin in July, which has intensified the controversy both inside and outside Russia.

Amid a series of poor performances by the Russian military, which have led to Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu losing President Putin's trust, Putin's close aides have increasingly criticized frontline commanders. With the dismissal of the fourth frontline commander already, concerns about declining morale within the military are growing.

Took a 3-week leave... eventually dismissed

[Image source=Russian Ministry of Defense]

According to the New York Times (NYT) on the 6th (local time), Aleksandr Lapin, commander of the Russian Central Military District, has been dismissed and stepped down from his position. He had previously sparked major controversy inside and outside Russia by applying for a three-week leave during wartime.

Commander Lapin was the field commander leading the defense forces in Svatove, a key strategic point in eastern Donetsk currently under Ukrainian offensive. The area is reportedly on the brink of collapse. This means the commander was suddenly replaced amid a critical frontline situation.

Notably, Lapin was a general who had been recognized for his merits on the Ukrainian front in July, receiving a medal and the title of Hero from President Putin. However, since September, as Ukraine's counteroffensive intensified and Russia suffered major defeats on key fronts, he has faced various criticisms.

In particular, Ramzan Kadyrov, leader of the Chechen mercenary forces at the forefront of Ukraine's main frontlines, has strongly criticized Lapin for conducting a poor battle. Yevgeny Prigozhin, leader of the mercenary company Wagner Group and one of Putin's closest aides, also criticized him, saying, "It is doubtful that Lapin performed well enough to deserve the medal."

Continued dismissals over Defense Minister succession... concerns over morale decline

[Image source=Yonhap News]

With Lapin's dismissal, the commanders of the Eastern, Southern, and Western Military Districts who were previously removed make this the fourth major frontline commander to be dismissed. The successive replacement of commanders amid a critical frontline situation is seen as exacerbating confusion in the Russian military's command structure and further lowering military morale.

As Defense Minister Shoigu, known as one of President Putin's closest aides, has lost trust due to repeated defeats and is likely to be replaced soon, it is analyzed that Putin's close circle is intensifying criticism of key military commanders. The U.S. Institute for the Study of War (ISW) stated, "Competition among Putin's closest aides over the successor to the Defense Minister position is likely intensifying," and "confusion in the frontline command structure is expected to worsen."

Meanwhile, the Russian military is conducting delaying operations to slow the Ukrainian advance amid intensified Ukrainian counterattacks in the eastern Donetsk region and southern Kherson region. In the Kherson area, a full evacuation order has been issued, and forced relocation of residents is reportedly underway.

According to CNN, President Zelensky, in a video speech on the same day, said, "Fierce attacks by Russian forces continue in the Donetsk region. The enemy is suffering severe defeats there," adding, "We are concentrating troops and resources in anticipation of the possibility that Russia will repeatedly launch large-scale attacks on our infrastructure," and "The first target will be energy."

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