Putin Sends Former Bodyguard to Oversee Operation Against Ukrainian Forces in Kursk?
The Moscow Times reports that Russian President Vladimir Putin has appointed former bodyguard Alexei Dyumin to oversee the military operation against the offensive by Ukrainian forces in Kursk province. The Kremlin has not confirmed this information.
“My sources have previously confirmed this information. Indeed, Mr. Dyumin was invited to meet [President Vladimir Putin] yesterday and was tasked with overseeing the anti-terrorist operation. The main task is to defeat the Ukrainian armed forces that violated the territory of the Kursk region,” Russian deputy Nikolai Ivanov told the RTVI television network on August 13.
Mr. Alexei Dyumin. Photo: Kremlin
Mr. Dyumin, the only member of the cabinet who is not affiliated with the military or security services, attended an online meeting with President Putin on August 12, according to The Moscow Times.
During the meeting, Mr. Putin instructed the Russian military to take the necessary measures to repel Ukrainian forces from the Kursk region. A Telegram channel later revealed that Mr. Putin tasked Mr. Dyumin with “coordinating all agencies operating in the Kursk region.”
On August 8, Moscow launched anti-terrorist operations in the border provinces of Kursk, Bryansk and Belgorod, giving the military full emergency powers to respond to the situation.
According to the pro-Kremlin Telegram channel Politsatirka, Mr. Dyumin’s military experience since Russia annexed the Crimean peninsula in 2014 is considered crucial in coordinating current defense efforts.
Rybar, a channel known for its pro-war rhetoric and run by a former Russian Defense Ministry spokesman, also said Mr. Dyumin’s appointment was a sign that President Putin was unhappy with the current military and security leaders. This information was given in an article by The Moscow Times, emphasizing Mr. Dyumin’s important role in Russia’s defense strategy.
“Mr. Dyumin’s role is to take full control of the situation, stop superficial efforts and start directly addressing the crisis,” Rybar added.
Meanwhile, the independent investigative channel Agentstvo reported on August 13 that several military bloggers had edited or deleted posts about Mr. Dyumin’s appointment.
There has been no announcement from the Kremlin about Mr. Dyumin’s new assignment.
