Replacement of Ukraine war commander will not help Russia - White House

The appointment of General Alexander Dvornikov as Ukraine war commander will not erase the fact that the Russian invasion of Ukraine is a strategic failure for Russia.

White House press secretary Jen Psaki said this at a briefing in Washington on Monday, according to an Ukrinform correspondent.

"Our view is that even a changeover in personnel or leadership at the top is not going to erase the fact that this [offensive operation in Ukraine] is a strategic failure for Russia," she said.

Psaki also noted that General Dvornikov is known for Russian forces committing barbaric acts against civilians in Syria under his leadership.

"We would expect that it would be a continuation of the types of atrocities we've already seen take place in Ukraine," Psaki said.

As Ukrinform reported earlier, due to failing to achieve almost any objectives set before the military commanders as regards Ukraine, on April 9, the Kremlin replaced the top general in command of Russian troops. The new chief is General Alexander Dvornikov, the Commander of the Southern Military District who has gained combat experience during Russia's Syria operation.