British Intelligence update on Ukraine as of Jan. 24

British Intelligence update on Ukraine as of Jan. 24

General Colonel Mikhail Teplinsky has likely been dismissed as one of Russia’s key operational commanders in Ukraine.

Teplinsky was the officer on the ground in charge of Russia’s relatively successful withdrawal from west of the Dnipro in November 2022, and he has received praise in Russia as a capable and pragmatic commander.

It remains unclear whether Teplinsky still retains his additional remit as head of the VDV, Russia’s airborne forces.

There is a realistic possibility that debate over the tasks VDV has been given has contributed to his dismissal: VDV has often been employed in ground holding roles traditionally given to the mechanised infantry.

Teplinsky’s dismissal is likely another symptom of continued divisions within the senior hierarchy of Russia’s operation as General Valery Gerasimov attempts to impose his personal authority on the campaign.