Former Chief of the General Staff Yuri Baluyevsky has criticized Vladimir Putin’s shortcomings in the conflict in Ukraine. Baluyevsky, a retired army general who also served as the ex-deputy Defence Minister, expressed concerns about the Russian leader’s inadequacies, stating that Putin’s weakness is endangering the nation’s future. Speaking at Russia’s public chamber, Baluyevsky pointed out the failure of Russia’s hypersonic weapons development, emphasizing that despite boasting about having advanced weaponry, the country’s security has not improved.
During his tenure as chief of the Russian general staff from 2004 to 2008, Baluyevsky accused Putin of neglecting to respond to specific Ukrainian provocations, including an attack on Putin’s Kremlin residence in 2023 and assaults on the country’s AWACS military aircraft. He highlighted the urgency of the situation, questioning Putin’s inaction in the face of escalating Ukrainian aggressions.
Baluyevsky’s rare criticism of Putin comes as Russia’s military campaign in Ukraine faces setbacks, with Ukrainian forces successfully limiting Russian advances. The veteran commander’s remarks also coincide with Ukraine’s increased strikes deep within Russian territory, underscoring the escalating tensions in the conflict.
Amidst growing discontent, Baluyevsky emphasized the need for Russia to take decisive action, warning that the country’s existence is at stake. He questioned the effectiveness of prolonging the military operation against Ukraine and raised concerns about the potential repercussions of ongoing hostilities on Russia and its international relationships.
Baluyevsky’s challenging stance reflects broader dissatisfaction with Putin’s handling of the conflict, as various voices, including pro-war advocates and influencers, express criticism of the Russian government’s strategy. The call for a more assertive approach underscores the growing pressure on Putin to address the escalating crisis in Ukraine.