Russian President Vladimir Putin has removed Lieutenant General Sukhrob Akhmedov, one of the country’s most feared military commanders, from his senior naval post amid mounting criticism over devastating troop losses in Ukraine.
Akhmedov, 51, has been dismissed from his role as Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Navy for Coastal and Ground Forces, barely a year after Putin personally awarded him Russia’s highest military distinction, the Hero of Russia medal.
From decorated commander to dismissal
The general had been publicly praised by the Kremlin for alleged military achievements, particularly operations linked to Russia’s border regions, including the Kursk area. However, his reputation has since collapsed as details emerged about failed offensives and catastrophic battlefield decisions in occupied eastern Ukraine.
Akhmedov has been widely blamed for a disastrous mechanised assault near Pokrovsk late last year. The operation reportedly ended within minutes after Ukrainian forces detected and destroyed advancing Russian tanks and armoured vehicles. Footage later circulated online showing burning equipment and scattered survivors, turning the assault into a symbol of Russia’s mounting military failures.
Past incidents resurface
Criticism of Akhmedov intensified after renewed attention was drawn to a 2023 incident near Kreminna, where Russian troops were allegedly ordered to stand in formation in open terrain for hours while awaiting a speech from the commander. Ukrainian artillery reportedly spotted the exposed soldiers and launched a strike, killing dozens.
Russian military analysts and pro-war bloggers have openly blamed Akhmedov for the incident. One prominent Telegram channel accused him of gross negligence, claiming that internal connections and favoritism within the military hierarchy helped bury the case at the time.
Symbol of a broken system
For many Russian soldiers and commentators, Akhmedov’s rise — followed by his sudden removal — has become emblematic of deeper problems within Russia’s military command structure. Critics argue that loyalty and political connections have often been rewarded over competence, while massive casualties have gone unanswered.
Despite his removal, Russia’s military campaign in Ukraine continues to face severe challenges. Ukrainian forces have intensified strikes not only along the front lines but also inside Russian territory.
Growing pressure inside Russia
In Russia’s Belgorod region, which borders Ukraine, local authorities have warned residents to prepare for possible evacuation amid continued Ukrainian attacks. Regional officials reported that hundreds of thousands of people have been left without electricity, while large numbers are also facing disruptions to water and sanitation services.
Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov admitted that the region is experiencing infrastructure damage on an unprecedented scale, with mobile networks also partially collapsing due to power shortages.
As pressure mounts on the battlefield and at home, Akhmedov’s dismissal highlights the growing strain within Russia’s military leadership — and the increasing cost of the war for both soldiers and civilians.