Moscow: Alexander Lapin, a senior Russian Colonel-General who played a prominent role in Russia’s military operations in Ukraine, has been officially dismissed from his active command duties, according to Russian media reports. The announcement, made over the weekend, comes amid growing scrutiny of senior military leadership and operational setbacks in the ongoing Ukraine conflict.
Lapin, 61, is not leaving public service entirely. He has been reassigned as an aide to the head of the Republic of Tatarstan, focusing on veterans’ support and the welfare of military families. While the position is largely administrative, it remains socially significant, as he will be responsible for overseeing services that directly affect former service members and their dependents. This move effectively removes him from operational decision-making in combat zones.
Over his decades-long career, Lapin has held several key commands. He rose to national prominence while leading the Russian Central Military District and later the “Centre” grouping deployed in Ukraine. His leadership, however, has drawn public criticism. Notably, Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov criticized Lapin after Russian forces withdrew from the Ukrainian town of Lyman, highlighting perceived lapses in operational effectiveness.
Following his tenure in the Central Military District, Lapin also commanded the Leningrad Military District and supervised the “North” grouping near the Ukrainian border. In August 2025, he was replaced in these operational roles by Colonel-General Yevgeny Nikiforov, signaling a shift in responsibility at the highest levels of Russian military command.
Lapin’s dismissal reflects broader pressures on Russia’s military hierarchy. Analysts suggest that the move could represent either an internal reorganization or a response to dissatisfaction with recent operational outcomes. The reassignment to veterans’ affairs removes him from front-line decision-making, while giving him an influential role in social and administrative matters within the military structure.
Observers note that this development may also be part of a trend of recalibrating senior command positions amid ongoing challenges in Ukraine. As Russia continues to face logistical hurdles and strategic pressures, reshuffling of experienced commanders like Lapin could signal attempts to optimize operational leadership while addressing internal accountability.
In his new position in Tatarstan, Lapin will oversee support for veterans and their families, a critical but non-combat role. Meanwhile, Colonel-General Nikiforov and other active commanders will continue to manage strategic and operational responsibilities on the front lines.
Russia’s military has faced repeated scrutiny for performance issues and strategic setbacks in Ukraine, and Lapin’s dismissal may contribute to broader debates on leadership, morale, and effective deployment of senior officers. Analysts will be watching closely to determine whether this reassignment heralds further changes within Russia’s upper military echelons.