Irritated Putin sees hundreds of Russian commanders fleeing the frontline

Hundreds of Russian commanders and officers have fled frontline deployment in Ukraine, according to a report released by Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence.

The intelligence agency estimates that 45% of officers currently serving in reserve units under Russia’s Southern Military District are not legally authorized to be there and should instead be deployed to combat zones.

Documents signed by Lieutenant General Mikhail Zusko, Chief of Staff of the Southern Military District, reportedly reveal that over 900 officers have been reassigned to rear units far from the front lines—without official justification. This growing trend is seen as part of a wider issue of desertion within the Russian military.

“This mass escape from the front line, disguised as formal reassignments to the rear, reflects growing demoralization and a deepening crisis within Russia's officer corps,” the agency stated.

Despite these internal challenges, Russian forces continue to make territorial gains in Ukraine, and there is currently no indication that peace negotiations are on the horizon.

(QG - Source: RBC Ukraine - Picture : © Unsplash)