Another Top Russian General Killed in Ukraine as Putin's Forces Struggle
Major Gen. Vitaly Gerasimov killed after Major Gen. Andrei Sukhovetsky shot dead by sniper
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Ukraine has reportedly killed another top Russian general as Vladimir Putin's invading forces continue to struggle against the intense Ukrainian resistance.
Major General Vitaly Gerasimov, 45, was killed Monday near the besieged city of Kharkiv, the Chief Directorate of Intelligence of Ukraine's defence ministry said in a statement.
Gerasimov is the second Russian senior commander to die during Putin's invasion of Ukraine.
Gerasimov was the first deputy commander of Russia's 41st army, and his death represents another major blow to Putin's forces.
The general took part in the second Chechen war, the Russian military operation in Syria, and the annexation of Crimea.
The top military official was awarded several medals from the Kremlin for his role in those campaigns.
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The Chief Directorate of Intelligence of Ukraine's defence ministry said in a statement Gerasimov was killed along with several other Russian officers.
Moscow has not commented on the reports.
Gerasimov, first deputy commander of Russia's 41st army, is the second of Putin’s generals to die in the invasion.
As Neon Nettle was first to report last week, Major General Andrei Sukhovetsky was taken out by a sniper.
The statement from Ukraine's defence ministry reads: "Another loss among the senior command staff of the occupying army.
"During the fighting near Kharkiv, Vitaly Gerasimov, a Russian military leader, major general, chief of staff, and first deputy commander of the 41st Army of the Central Military District of Russia, was killed.
"A number of senior Russian army officers were also killed and wounded.
"Vitaly Gerasimov took part in the second Chechen war and the Russian military operation in Syria.
"He received a medal ‘for the return of the Crimea’."
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Several high-ranking Russians have been killed so far in Ukraine, including Colonel Konstantin Zizevsky of the 247th Air Assault Regiment and Air Assault Brigade Lieutenant Colonel Denis Glebov.
The statement also suggested there were “significant problems” with communication in the Russian army.
It follows suggestions generals have been moved to the frontline owing to issues getting through to their officers on the fields.
