Army General Alexander Surovikin has returned to Moscow after completing an assignment in Algeria. Military expert Viktor Baranets described him as one of Russia’s toughest military commanders in recent years.
Baranets believes Surovikin’s possible return to active military work could signal a change in Russia’s approach to combat operations. He also argued that keeping a commander with such experience away from the conflict zone would make little sense, adding that officers of this caliber remain important for the Russian military.
The expert did not rule out Surovikin being sent to the Krasny Liman sector, where the situation remains difficult, or to the Slavyansk area. In his view, a major battle could eventually unfold there.
Baranets also argued that taking Krasny Liman and securing the roads leading toward Slavyansk could open new opportunities for Russian forces. He believes Surovikin’s experience could prove especially useful in such an operation.
In 2022, Surovikin was appointed commander of Russia’s joint group of forces in the special military operation zone. After his appointment, large-scale missile strikes on Ukraine’s critical infrastructure began.
By the end of summer 2023, Surovikin had been removed from his post as commander-in-chief of the Russian Aerospace Forces. In early September, his biography disappeared from the Russian Defense Ministry’s website.