The military point 577 | The two Russian generals are on the attack, experienced men tested by the long conflict and power dynamics. Which are unpredictable, like battles
Generals in the storm, experienced men tested by the long conflict and power dynamics. As unpredictable as battles.
Sergei Surovikin reappeared in an official role: numerous photos documented his trip to Algeria together with a Russian defense delegation. Ritual images. With colleagues on site, visiting a mosque, sitting in front of an open Koran. Its presence in North Africa is likely part of its new role, linked to relations with friendly countries and former Soviet republics. During his career, he served in Syria, where he received medals and the nickname “General Armageddon” for sweeping towns and villages clean. He later took charge of operations in Ukraine and developed the now-famous Surovikin Line, a sophisticated defensive system that proved invaluable in containing the enemy’s offensive. He would certainly have received other awards for bravery if he had not been cornered because of his too close ties to the Wagner rebels.
They removed him, hid him, possibly investigated him to find out actual complicity in the mutiny, and then fished him out by giving him an outside task. Perhaps in some kind of purgatory, it is not certain that he will not one day return to the highest hierarchy. Vladimir Putin will decide. In the meantime, he talks to his allies and Algiers does: Russian material is abundant in the country’s arsenal, the connections are historic, off its coasts there is one of the points where nuclear submarines meet oil tankers to refuel, There is harmony between the militaries of two regimes. The region is then fundamental to the Kremlin’s Mediterranean strategy as Moscow seeks new bases in addition to those in Syria. There have been surveys with Egypt, but it is likely that they will find a landing site in Cyrenaica thanks to the axis with General Khalifa Haftar.
Vladimir Sokolov, the commander of the Black Sea Fleet, took over in 2022 from Igor Osipov, who was torpedoed after the sinking of the Moskva. The officer has completed many missions and is considered one of the most competent, but like his predecessor, he was surprised by the enemy. Ships hit by explosive boats, severe damage to repair yards, a damaged submarine, lost islands and platforms. Sevastopol is constantly under fire from missiles and drones, units have to protect cargo, constant tracking of enemy initiatives, uncertainty in a quadrant where Russia – on paper – should have no problems. In fact, the Navy has strategic supremacy that allows it to use its cruise ships to attack bases in Ukraine.
However, the resistance’s tactics continue to pose a constant challenge, with every Ukrainian incursion into Crimea always bringing something new. Observers do not question Sokolov’s professionalism, but point to problems in the maritime structure. Otherwise so many showers could not be explained. Kiev is taking advantage of the moment with actions and propaganda. A reconstruction of the missile attack on the Sevastopol Basin offers a very spectacular – unverifiable – version. A commando reached the coast – also using underwater means -, conducted reconnaissance and provided coordinates to the target using special instruments, then confirmed the results and finally returned to base without any problems. History can represent a part of the truth or a smokescreen of war, a way to confuse. However, there is no doubt about the impact.
September 16, 2023 (modified September 16, 2023 | 5:18 p.m.)
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