By John Varga
Express U.S.
Newsbreak
Sept. 22, 2025
Russia’s top military leadership is reportedly in chaos, with rumors of a looming purge of high-ranking officers and claims that the army chief has turned to alcohol.
Valery Gerasimov, the current head of Russia’s General Staff and the commander of all Kremlin forces in Ukraine, is under scrutiny. The general has been increasingly criticized for the army’s poor performance, which has failed to achieve any of the Kremlin’s objectives.
In late August, the army leader attempted to highlight his troops’ accomplishments, bragging about significant victories across eastern and southern Ukraine during their summer offensive.
He mentioned thousands of square kilometers of newly conquered territory, nearly 150 captured settlements, and an almost complete encirclement of Kupiansk, a crucial town in the Kharkiv region.
However, independent evaluations tell a different story. A mix of Western analysts, Ukrainian officials, and even pro-Russian military bloggers suggest that progress has been much less impressive than the General’s assertions.
They all note that any gains have come at a tremendous cost in both soldiers’ lives and equipment.
The Kremlin leader now seems to be losing patience with his military chief and is preparing to implement drastic changes in his armed forces. The Telegram Channel General SVR alleges that Putin is ready to purge the upper echelons of his army command in a significant reshuffle.
“There will soon be a change in the leadership of the military bloc,” they wrote. “It remains unclear whether the current Russian Minister of Defence will retain his post or be transferred to another, equally important position.
“There will be some reshuffles within the Ministry of Defence, but this will be a breeze compared to what awaits the General Staff.
“Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov has already been warned that he will no longer be tolerated; his fate will be determined in the coming days. In light of this, Gerasimov has gone on a severe drinking binge, which could only worsen his situation.”
The outlet claimed the General Staff is bracing for a massive “purge,” with 80% of personnel set to be replaced.
General SVR surfaced in 2020, alleging to be operated by former and current members of the Russian Foreign Intelligence Service, along with other government agencies.
Speaking to Business Insider, a representative refused to reveal the channel’s sources, referencing personal safety concerns, but expressed they had “complete confidence” in them.
The channel previously made headlines by asserting that Vladimir Putin tumbled down stairs, defecating himself during the incident – claims that were vehemently rejected by the Kremlin.