British Secret Service
Skepticism about new Russian supreme commander in Ukraine
Russia’s Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu (left), in conversation with Valery Gerasimov (archive photo) Photo
© Gavriil Grigorov/Sputnik Kremlin/AP/dpa
Almost two weeks ago he was appointed the new commander of the Russian troops. According to British intelligence, Valery Gerasimov’s measures are not well received by the soldiers.
The new Russian supreme commander in the Ukraine, Valeri Gerasimov, was met with skepticism by the British and by Wagner’s private army, according to British estimates.
The chief of staff attaches great importance to increasing discipline, the British Ministry of Defense said, citing intelligence information. “The prioritization of primarily small regulations should confirm the fears of his many skeptics in Russia. Together with Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, he is increasingly considered aloof and he is accused of relying on presentation instead of substance.”
Gerasimov is concerned about non-compliant uniforms, the use of mobile phones and civilian vehicles and haircuts that do not conform to the norm. “The measures have met with skeptical feedback, but the greatest mockery was for improving the standard of troop shaving,” the British ministry said. Both officials of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People’s Republic and the head of Wagner’s private army, Yevgeny Prigozhin, had criticized the measures, it said.
The British Ministry of Defense has been publishing daily information on the course of the war since the beginning of the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine at the end of February last year, citing intelligence information. In doing so, the British government wants to both counter the Russian portrayal and keep allies in line. Moscow accuses London of a targeted disinformation campaign.
Notice from the UK Ministry of Defence