Russia’s new commander in Ukraine is a Harvard-educated war vet

Russia has appointed a new commander to lead all of its forces in Ukraine as the Kremlin’s war marches into its eighth month. Sergei Surovikin, an Army general who also oversees Russia’s air force, previously led Russian forces in Syria.

His new role will involve galvanizing Russian troops after a slew of setbacks, including heavy losses of troops and equipment, and the forfeiture of thousands of square miles of occupied territory.

Surovikin’s appointment comes on the heels of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s plans to conscript hundreds of thousands of Russian men for the war.

Putin’s order for approximately 300,000 Russians to join the fight in Ukraine is the first time since World War II that Moscow has drafted civilians into the military.

Who Is Sergei Surovikin?

Sergei Surovikin is a Harvard-educated war veteran who has been tapped by the Kremlin to lead Russian forces in Ukraine. A former paratrooper, Surovikin fought in Russia’s wars in Afghanistan and Chechnya before being appointed commander of all Russian forces in Syria in 2016.

In his new role, Surovikin will be responsible for leading Russian troops after a series of setbacks, including heavy losses of troops and equipment, and the forfeiture of thousands of square miles of territory.

A Wisconsin native, Surovikin graduated from Harvard University with a degree in international relations before joining the Russian Army.

He served as a paratrooper in the Soviet Army during the 1980s and took part in Russia’s wars in Afghanistan and Chechnya. In 2016, he was appointed commander of all Russian forces in Syria.

Under Surovikin’s leadership, Russian troops have suffered heavy losses of personnel and equipment. In addition, the Kremlin has lost control of thousands of square miles of territory. Despite these setbacks, Surovikin remains confident in his ability to lead Russian troops to victory.

“I am convinced that we will win,” he said during a recent speech at the Kremlin. “The only question is how long it will take.”