Russia replaces general in charge of Ukraine war in latest military shake-up

Valery Gerasimov to replace Sergei Surovikin, who was appointed in October, as Zelenskiy mocks claims of Russian victory in Soledar

Russia appointed Valery Gerasimov, chief of the general staff, as its overall commander for the war in Ukraine on Wednesday, in the latest of several major shake-ups of Moscow's military leadership during the stumbling invasion of its neighbour.

In a statement, the defence ministry said that Gerasimov's appointment constituted a raising of the status of the leadership" of the military force in Ukraine and was implemented to improve the quality ... and effectiveness of the management of Russian forces."