Commanders play a critical role in any military operation. They are an important part of shaping outcomes on the battlefield.
Their decisions can alter the course of battles, influence troop morale, and define strategic direction. Losing an experienced commander can create chaos, disrupt plans, and weaken an entire chain of command.
In the ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia, targeting high-ranking officers has become a tactical focus, amplifying the importance of leadership in war.
Ukraine’s recent strikes on senior Russian officers underline this reality, according to WP. These operations aim to destabilize Russian military efforts and bring justice to those allegedly orchestrating civilian attacks.
Among the most notable was the assassination of Colonel Dmitry Golenko, chief of staff of the 52nd Heavy Bomber Regiment, who was killed in a controversial operation.
The Psychological Implications
Russia’s military has already suffered significant losses among its senior ranks. More than 4,300 officers, including 467 colonels and generals, have been confirmed dead since the war began.
These losses include eight generals and 57 other senior officers in just the last six months.
Dr. Dariusz Materniak, an expert in Eastern European military strategy, talked about the impact of these deaths.
“Replacing officers with significant combat experience is incredibly difficult,” he said.
“These leaders often have decades of service, and losing them weakens Russia’s ability to operate effectively.”
This attrition of experienced commanders has forced Russia to confront operational challenges. The absence of competent leaders hampers decision-making and disrupts battlefield coordination.
Ukraine’s strikes on commanders also carry psychological weight.
Dr. Michał Piekarski talkes about how these operations show Russia’s leadership is vulnerable, even in Moscow.
“It creates fear among the Russian elite and forces them to divert resources to protect themselves,” he explained.
The targeting of senior officers in deep Russian territory highlights Ukraine’s operational reach. While some view these missions as controversial, experts argue they are a legitimate part of warfare.
Commander Wiesław Goździewicz states:
“These are combatants being targeted, not civilians. This is within the bounds of military engagement.”
