Russia's most senior military commander, General Valery Gerasimov, has vanished from public view amid growing speculation about a major shake-up within Moscow's defence establishment.
The Chief of the General Staff, who personally oversees Russia's invasion of Ukraine, hasn't been seen for nearly three weeks, with his absence coinciding with significant battlefield setbacks and controversial comments from former US President Donald Trump about NATO.
Mystery Surrounds Military Chief's Whereabouts
General Gerasimov, one of Vladimir Putin's closest military advisors, was last observed on December 29 during a ceremony at the Russian defence ministry. His prolonged disappearance has sparked intense speculation among Western intelligence agencies and military analysts about his current status and position within the Kremlin hierarchy.
The silence from Moscow has been deafening, with no official explanation provided for the general's absence from public duties. This comes at a critical juncture in Russia's military campaign, following the loss of the strategic town of Marinka in eastern Ukraine.
Trump's NATO Comments Add to Kremlin Concerns
The timing of Gerasimov's disappearance is particularly significant given recent remarks from Donald Trump, who suggested he would encourage Russia to attack NATO members failing to meet defence spending targets. These comments have created fresh uncertainty about Western support for Ukraine at a crucial moment in the conflict.
Military analysts suggest that Putin may be preparing significant changes to his military command structure following recent failures to achieve decisive breakthroughs in Ukraine. The Russian president has previously removed senior commanders after disappointing battlefield performances.
Pattern of Disappearances Among Russian Elite
General Gerasimov isn't the first high-profile Russian figure to mysteriously vanish from public view:
- Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu disappeared for 12 days last year before returning
- Several oligarchs have vanished following disagreements with the Kremlin
- Multiple military commanders have been quietly replaced throughout the Ukraine conflict
The uncertainty surrounding Gerasimov's position comes as Ukraine continues to resist Russian advances, despite facing ammunition shortages and delays in Western military aid.
Western intelligence agencies are closely monitoring the situation, aware that any significant change in Russia's military leadership could signal a shift in strategy as the war approaches its third year with no clear end in sight.
