Russian General Appointed to Head Ukrainian Offensive

The United States believes that President Vladimir Putin has appointed General Alexander Dvornikov to command Russian military operations in Ukraine. Dvornikov is one of Russia's most experienced and decorated generals, having previously fought during the Second Chechen War and later commanded Russian forces in Syria to back Bashar al-Assad. Dvornikov has even been credited with effectively helping turn the tide of the conflict in Assad's favor. He has also been notoriously referred to by the West as the "Butcher of Syria" for commanding Russian bombing campaigns that resulted in widespread civilian casualties and collateral damage.

The change in military leadership comes as Russia is expected to launch a renewed assault on the Donbas region to fully secure the Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts after failing to capture the capital of Kyiv.