A very informative article about the Ukraine conflict, highlighting key appointments and developments. Here’s a summary:
**New Commander of Russian Ground Forces Appointed**
* Sergei Mordvichev has been appointed as the new commander of the Russian Ground Forces.
* He previously commanded the 8th Guards Combined Arms Army in Russia’s Southern Military District.
* The appointment comes amid reports that Russia is preparing for a major new offensive in Ukraine.
**Involvement in Atrocities and Invasion**
* Mordvichev was involved in the devastating siege of Mariupol, where tens of thousands of Ukrainian civilians were killed.
* He met with Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov to plan the final assault on Azovstal, a strategic location in Mariupol.
* Russian troops under his command committed atrocities against civilians and the Ukrainian military.
**International Reactions**
* Mordvichev has been notified of suspicion by the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) for crimes including encroachment on Ukraine’s territorial integrity and waging an aggressive war.
* He will replace General Oleg Saliukov, who was appointed as deputy secretary of the Security Council.
**Explosions in Occupied Crimea**
* A drone attack on occupied Crimea resulted in explosions and a fire at an ammunition depot.
* The Russian-installed proxy head of Sevastopol claimed that six drones were downed over the peninsula, while Russia’s Defense Ministry reported 21 drones shot down over Crimea and 43 in the Black Sea.
**Ongoing Conflict**
* Ukraine has carried out successful attacks against Russian targets in occupied Crimea and its vicinity.
* The conflict continues to escalate with no clear end in sight.
