The Russian Armed Forces appointed a new General to take charge of the field of logistics ahead of an expected Western-backed counter-offensive by Kiev.

Colonel General Mikhail Mizintsev who came under UK sanctions for his participation in the Russian Special Military Operation in Ukraine was relieved of his duties in favor of Alexei Kuzmenkov who "has served as Deputy Director of the Federal National Guard Troops Service of the Russian Federation — Commander-in-Chief of the National Guard Troops of the Russian Federation," according to a statement of the Russian Defense Ministry.

"Kuzmenkov was appointed to the position of deputy Defense Minister of the Russian Federation, responsible for the logistical support of the Armed Forces," the Ministry stated.

Mizintsev was assigned to the position days after President Putin announced the commencement of a mobilization drive in September 2022.

Relieving Mizinstev of his duties has been rumored by various Russian war correspondents last week, as Russia prepares itself to thwart the NATO-backed Ukrainian counter-offensive.

According to a report by the UnHerd that examined the recent Pentagon leaks, the Ukrainian army is expected to be highly susceptible to air attacks, as its defense capabilities are hindered by munition shortages. This means that it will be exponentially more difficult to deploy ground forces on the frontlines in the upcoming counter-offensive as they will be subject to air raids.

Western critics seem to understand that there is little chance of a successful Ukrainian offensive in Spring, as the possibility of forcing Russian forces out of Crimea and the Donbass seems marginal.

These circumstances make well-planned logistical supplies essential to the success of the Russian defense strategy in Spring.

Read more: RS: US-Ukrainian interests unaligned, could mean suicide for Ukraine.