Russia appoints Lieutenant General Alexander Sanchik new frontline commander after alleged battlefield reporting controversy in Ukraine.
Moscow ( EPICSTORIAN) – Russia’s military has appointed Lieutenant General Alexander Sanchik as the acting commander of its “South” operational group in Ukraine, replacing Colonel General Gennady Anashkin.
Moscow Times cited RBC on Tuesday as saying ‘the change is part of a scheduled rotation, though controversy surrounds Anashkin’s dismissal’.
Sanchik Takes Over Following Anashkin’s Alleged misinformation
Pro-war Russian bloggers alleged that Anashkin misled superiors about capturing settlements near Siversk in eastern Ukraine. This alleged misinformation reportedly led to unnecessary frontline casualties, intensifying scrutiny of his leadership.
The “South” group, primarily composed of units from the Southern Military District, has recently been engaged near Kurakhove, Chasiv Yar, and Siversk in the Donetsk region.
Sanchik, a seasoned officer, attended a May 15 meeting with President Vladimir Putin while serving as acting commander of the Eastern Military District. His career includes roles as deputy commander of the Eastern Military District in 2023 and leader of the 35th Combined Arms Army in 2020.
In February 2022, just before Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Sanchik was promoted to colonel general by Putin.
This leadership change may signal toughening heat of the ongoing challenges within Russia’s military command structure as its forces continue operations in Ukraine
Sanchik’s appointment highlights Russia’s efforts to stabilize leadership on critical fronts to withstand growing internal and external pressures.
