Russian troops in Syria hit by losses, commander replaced - Ukrainian intel
Photo: Russian troops in Syria suffer losses (Getty Images)
Russian troops are suffering losses during battles in Syria. Amid this, Moscow has replaced the commander of its forces in Syria, reports Ukrainian Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defence via Telegram.
Amid the losses and panic among Russian troops in Syria, the Kremlin has dismissed the commander of its forces in the country, General Sergey Kisel.
Earlier, Kisel was responsible for Russia's failed actions during the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, for which he was also dismissed and subsequently sent on assignment to Syria.
Kisel has been replaced by another military leader, General Alexander Chayko, who had previously commanded Russian forces in Syria from 2017 to 2019.
According to Ukrainian intelligence, the commander of the Russian Navy, Admiral Alexander Moiseyev, has also arrived at the naval base in Tartus.
"After three days of successful offensives by pro-Turkish forces in Syria, Russian troops suffered significant losses, with some units surrounded. Hundreds of Russians are listed as missing in Syria," the Main Intelligence Directorate added.
Situation in Syria
This week, the situation in Syria escalated as a new phase of the civil war began. Rebel forces led by Islamists from Hayat Tahrir al-Sham launched an offensive on Aleppo, the second-largest city in Syria.
Yesterday, forces loyal to Bashar al-Assad announced their withdrawal from Aleppo. Media reports indicate that Moscow has promised Damascus urgent military assistance. However, analysts at ISW doubt Russia will be able to provide Assad with more support, as the war against Ukraine remains Moscow's priority.
More on the situation in Syria is available in the RBC-Ukraine article.
