Russian generals take revenge on Putin - Feygin

Russian opposition leader Mark Feygin stated this live on air on Espreso TV.

He believes that head of Russian Armed Forces General Staff Valeriy Gerasimov was appointed as commander of occupying Russian forces in Ukraine because Sergey Surovikin did not achieve anything. Only now are battles for Soledar ongoing, leaving Kherson was a collective decision. According to Mark Feygin, there is no one else to put in this position.

"The second reason: they expect to win, not lose - we are starting from the fact that they are doomed, and they are convinced this big offensive will give a result, not 100%, but one that can be negotiated with, or similar. And thirdly, why don't we consider it from the point of view that generals are taking revenge on Putin as well, not only on Prigozhin. In order to set demands for him: you know, friend, the corporation decided that we have to bring this to an end. We can't guarantee you victory in this war, but destroying the army - what's the point? We just might lose it in an attempt to take over Ukraine. And besides, mobilization is a huge strain of forces that can give results, or may not give. And what next?" politician emphasized.

According to him, it is not clear how Russian President, Vladimir Putin, will behave in this situation, because he cannot take great risks and shoot generals who are closely related to each other. For example, Valeriy Gerasimov formed the Russian Armed Forces General Staff for almost 15 years, and Sergey Shoigu headed the Ministry of Defense.

"Perhaps the moment has come when they have probably come and proposed a plan to restore hierarchy, discipline and order without public disdain of leadership that took place, to put everything in its place. And Putin, whether he likes it or not, has to agree with this. He may not like it, but he has to take into account the wishes of the army. Even if it is an unsuccessful general offensive, from the north, for example, or on Kharkiv from Belgorod, the army will not allow itself to be manipulated and juggled in any way. It may be that the army continues to live, Putin is here today, tomorrow he is gone, and the army remains as an institution. And therefore, perhaps, they took upon themselves both responsibility and their right," Mark Feygin said.

• On January 11, Russian mass media reported that the head of Russian General Staff, Valeriy Gerasimov, was appointed as commander of a joint grouping of troops fighting against Ukraine.

• On January 12, the Institute for the Study of War noted that Putin appointed Gerasimov to weaken the influence of Prigozhin and security forces.