Who is Russia's new top general in Ukraine, and what is his strategy
Russia’s first decentralised assault failed to produce concrete results for Moscow. As a result, Vladimir Putin is appointing Alexander Dvornikov to lead the second attack on eastern Ukraine.
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| Who is Russia's new top general in Ukraine |
Russia did not have a single general overseeing the first offensive on Ukraine, due to the decentralised approach it took to take over different parts of Ukrainian territory. This meant that different generals led campaigns in the south, east and north.
After failing to capture the capital Kiev, the second biggest city in eastern Ukraine, Kharkiv, and other major urban areas, Russian President Vladimir Putin has decided to appoint a new general, Alexander Dvornikov, with a clear mandate to oversee the second offensive, which is poised to start soon.
Now, both Ukrainians and everyone watching the Russian onslaught in horror wonder who Putin has appointed to lead Moscow’s second attempt, which will be concentrated in eastern Ukraine this time.
Interestingly, the 61-year old Russian general Dvornikov, born in Ussuriysk in the far eastern region Primorsky Krai, close to the Sea of Japan, will now lead Moscow’s assault on eastern Ukraine. His task is not easy, as Ukraine has become emboldened after challenging Putin’s army and stubbornly stopping the first operation.
Dvornikov’s hometown is very close to Vladivostok, a Pacific coastal city and the centre of Primorsky Krai. When Russian analysts want to point out Putin’s power ambitions across Eurasia, Vladivostok is a common reference point due to its location in the Pacific.
“The goal is for the sake of the peace of future generations of Ukrainians themselves, and the opportunity to finally build an open Eurasia — from Lisbon to Vladivostok,” said Dimitry Medvedev, the former Russian president, referring to Moscow’s Ukraine offensive and its reach across both Asia and Europe.
Due to his background and current assignment, Dvornikov, the leading general of Moscow’s southern district, might be the perfect example of Russia’s eastern and western character and ambitions. Dvornikov is also a typical Russian general who believes in the primacy of his mission over any other concerns, including civilian casualties.
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