The ‘Butcher of Syria’ takes over Russian forces
The pride of Russia, the Kerch Strait Bridge was significantly damaged after a big explosion two days ago. Although Ukraine did not announce responsibility, Vladimir Putin has taken the attack personally and vowed to rain down missiles all over Ukraine in revenge. All major cities have taken missile hits in the last day in another escalation in the Russia-Ukraine war
Vladimir Putin has appointed General Sergei Surovikin – the ‘Butcher of Syria’ – to take charge over all the military forces in the war against Ukraine. Known for being absolutely ruthless with scant regard for human life, a former defence ministry official who knew Surovikin said “I am afraid his hands will be completely covered in Ukrainian blood”.
Produced By: Roderick Chambers
Featured In Story: Associate Professor Matthew Sussex Australian National University, Fellow of the Strategic and Defence Studies Centre
First aired on The Wire, Tuesday 11 October 2022