Moscow uses experience of war with Ukraine to train generals - UK intelligence

According to the summary, a new intake of Russian officers started their studies at the Russian General Staff Academy. The Russian MOD announced that over 60% of the intake has combat experience. Although it was not specified, the majority have likely gained this experience in Ukraine since 2022.

According to British intelligence, students at the academy typically rank between Major and General-Major (equivalent to a one-star General in the NATO system) and are earmarked as having the potential for senior command.

While a high proportion of some specialists, such as pilots, deployed on operations in Syria, the Ukraine war means combat experience is now more widespread across this mid-level cadre of Russian officers.

"Over the coming years, this generation is likely to exert major influence over the future direction of Russia’s military and whether it implements lessons learned from the war in Ukraine," wrote the UK Ministry of Defense.

Elimination of Russian generals

In early December, the Russian authorities confirmed the elimination of Major General Vladimir Zavadsky, the deputy commander of the 14th Army Corps of Russia, in Ukraine.

Zavadsky became the seventh major general confirmed by Russia to be eliminated and the twelfth general whose death had been reported since the beginning of the war.

The deaths of high-ranking Russian officers, which military analysts in some cases attribute to Ukraine's success in intercepting communications, have become less frequent as the war continues.

In July 2023, near the temporarily occupied Berdiansk, Russian Lieutenant General Oleg Tsokov was eliminated.

In June 2022, the Strategic Communications Department of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine confirmed the death of Russian Major General Roman Kutuzov in battle near Popasna.