Vladimir Putin has fired the commander of Russia’s Aerospace Forces, which are responsible for air defense and missile protection systems, according to Russian news agency RBC. General Viktor Afzalov was replaced by Alexander Chaiko, who previously commanded Russian forces in Syria.
Read: Zelensky announces ceasefire from Tuesday midnight
Putin: Change of air defense leadership
The Moscow Times reports that, according to the European Union, Chaiko played a role in the Bucha massacres. The European Union has imposed personal sanctions against him.
The leadership change came after a series of drone attacks that Moscow failed to counter. Specifically, drones struck Russian oil ports in the Baltic Sea, with energy facilities suffering more than 20 attacks. This was followed by an explosion in Moscow yesterday (4/5).
Extreme security protocols
It should be noted that at the same time Russia is implementing extreme security protocols regarding the country’s president, Vladimir Putin, amid fears of a possible assassination attempt, as he appears increasingly isolated due to the military conflicts with Ukraine.
The Federal Protection Service (FSO), responsible for Putin’s security, has significantly tightened measures around him. According to information, Putin spends several hours a day in underground bunkers, where he monitors the war’s progress, under the fear of a possible assassination attempt.
The Kremlin’s concerns about a coup or assassination attempt have particularly increased, according to sources. “The shock from the Ukrainian ‘Spiderweb’ operation remains,” said a person familiar with the Russian president, referring to Ukrainian drone attacks.
