Putin Dismisses Russian Ground Forces Commander Amid Military Shake-Up

Russian President Vladimir Putin has dismissed General Oleg Salyukov from his role as commander-in-chief of the Russian Ground Forces, a position he held since 2014, and reassigned him as an assistant secretary of the Russian Security Council. This leadership change comes amid ongoing military operations in Ukraine and just before anticipated direct negotiations between Kyiv and Moscow in Istanbul, highlighting potential Kremlin impatience with the pace of battlefield gains. Recent Russian advances near Pokrovsk and in Donetsk have been described as slow and grinding, possibly fueling Putin's decision amid broader defense ministry shake-ups and anti-corruption purges. Salyukov's replacement reflects a continuing trend of restructuring within Russia's military command, with loyalty seemingly prioritized over competence, contributing to bureaucratic disorganization. The dismissal occurred shortly after Salyukov oversaw the Victory Day parade on May 9, marking the 80th anniversary of the defeat of Nazi Germany, underlining the unexpected nature of his removal. The move coincides with Russia's ongoing military and political challenges, including the presence of a high-level Russian delegation in Istanbul for peace talks and internal concerns over military leadership effectiveness.