Russia appoints Commander General for War in Ukraine

This is the first official to be appointed commander of all Russian forces in Ukrainian territory since February.

This announcement has come hours after an explosion, and a major fire, have suspended traffic and damaged a key bridge linking Russia to the Ukrainian Crimean Peninsula in the early hours of October 8th.

The origin of the explosion has not yet been identified.

The Crime Peninsula was annexed by Moscow in 2014.

The defence minister's “decision, Army General Sergei Surovici, has been appointed commanders of the Joint Group of Troops in special military operation areas”, is said in the statement, using the Kremlin's reference to the war in Ukraine.

Since 2017, Surovick led Russia's air force.

In June of this year, Suroviki has engaged with Russian troops in southern Ukraine.

He previously served in Tajikistan, Chechnya, and Syria.

By April, BBC and CNN broadcasters had reported on a source basis that General Alexandr Dvornikov has been appointed commander general of Russian forces in Ukraine.

However, Zvornikov was not mentioned in the latest report.

Dvornikov has the notorious reputation for his approach to wars in Syria, where Russia has bombed civilians' areas.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has honoured Zvornikov with the medal of Russia's Hero, one of the highest titles in this country.

As Ukraine continues to free settlements from Russian military forces east of the state, Moscow has reportedly replaced other top commanders of the armed forces.

The war in Ukraine has begun on February 24th.

The West has responded to Russia, striking the economy of this state with severe sanctions.

As a result of the war, thousands have died, and millions of others have been displaced from their homes. / REL