Former deputy sentenced
General Dmitry Bulgakov has now been replaced by 60-year-old Colonel General Mikhail Mizintsev. According to the BBC, Putin’s decision to remove Dmitry is being seen as a punishment given to him. The new deputy defense chief, Mikhail, is under sanctions from the UK. General Mikhail was known as the ‘Butcher of Mariupol’ only after Russian forces captured the Ukrainian port of Mariupol in May this year. Apart from this, he is accused of leading Russia in the bombing of Aleppo in Syria.
misery in Mariupol
During the capture of Mariupol, the Russian army is accused of brutally killing many people here and arresting many people. The bodies of about 200 people were found here. While Ukraine says that the actual number could be much higher. Recently, President Putin announced that about three lakh soldiers would be sent for deployment in Ukraine. This is the first time since World War II that so many troops will be deployed from the Russian side.
Ukrainian commander released
Two days ago, Russia has released 215 people who were held captive in Mariupol, including several top Ukrainian military leaders. Russia has also released the Ukrainian commander and deputy commander caught in Azov. This move of Russia is being described as shocking. Russia describes these two military leaders captured in Azov as Nazis and in such a situation their release is being told as a surprise decision.
A referendum is also being held on behalf of Russia in Mariupol these days. People are being pressured for this referendum. They are being asked to either vote or they will have to lose their jobs.