To Fix Its Problems in Ukraine, Russia Turns to the Architect of the War

To fix this mess, Mr. Putin has turned to none other than General Gerasimov. He told Western officials early last year that Russia had no intention of invading Ukraine; weeks later, Russian troops had crossed the border. But General Surovikin, according to American military officials and Biden administration officials, had solidified a shaky Russian position in Ukraine, particularly in the south. While his defensive moves raised worries in Washington that Russia might be able to withstand renewed Ukrainian offensives, Russian military bloggers had a far different reaction. The bloggers, who have emerged as an influential voice during the conflict, criticized the Russian military command for the retreat from Kherson.