Thursday 6 October 2022 10:04 PM Russia-appointed official criticises Moscow's generals amid frustration at ... trends now
Ukraine says it has recaptured 29 towns and villages in the south of the country over the past week after its forces broke through Russian lines, sweeping aside some of Moscow's strongest troops in another rapid advance.
The counter-offensive in Kherson, which follows a series of dramatic advances 200 miles along the frontline in the country's north-east, is a fresh humiliation for Vladimir Putin and his crumbling invasion.
In a rare public rebuke of the Kremlin's top brass, a Russian-installed official in the region poured scorn on Moscow's generals and suggested defence minister Sergei Shoigu – one of Putin's closest allies – should shoot himself.
Kirill Stremousov, a thuggish anti-vaccination blogger who was appointed deputy head of the annexed region, attacked the 'ministers, generals, corrupt looters and other various scum' in the defence ministry who were letting down their 'heroes' on the frontline.
He praised hardline Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov, a cheerleader for the war who has condemned military failings, and demanded 'more drastic measures' such as 'use of low-yield nuclear weapons'. Putin has promoted Kadyrov to colonel-general.
One Ukrainian official claims Chechen units are being ordered to fire on retreating Russian forces – a chilling echo, if confirmed, of infamous Soviet tactics used by Joseph Stalin in the Second World War.
Videos on social media yesterday showed a Russian tank crew surrendering in Kherson and Ukrainians triumphantly towing captured military vehicles. In their chaotic retreat in the east last month, Moscow forces left behind hundreds of pieces of armour.
Videos on social media yesterday showed a Russian tank crew surrendering in Kherson (pictured) and Ukrainians triumphantly towing captured military vehicles
The footage shows three Russians getting out of the BMP-2 tank with their hands up in what seems to be an arranged surrender
Ukrainian forces have swept forward at least 12 miles along the western bank of the Dnipro river, having blown up key bridges to block supplies and thwart escape – and
