The new general tapped to lead Russia’s brutal invasion of Ukraine has been dubbed the “butcher of Syria” — sparking concern that the war that has already left tens of thousands dead will only get more gruesome.
Gen. Alexander Dvornikov, 60, is one of the country’s most experienced — and most notorious — military bosses, who led the Russian forces in Syria for the past decade.
The United Nations says more than 350,000 people were killed in the Syrian conflict, no thanks to Dvornikov, who ordered troops to destroy cities and drop barrel bombs that displaced millions.
Lt. Col. Fares al-Bayoush, a Syrian army defector, told the Associated Press that he expects a ruthless strategy from the general, where Russian troops will engage in concurrent “rapid battles” around Ukraine.
“I expected him to use the scorched earth policy that was used in Syria,” al-Bayoush said. “He has very good experience in this policy.
“This commander is a war criminal,” he added.
Retired Adm. James Stavridis told NBC News on Sunday that Dvornikov’s promotion to commander of the Russian forces spells bad news for those hoping to see the conflict reach a quick and peaceful end.
Gen. Alexander Dvornikov, known as the “Butcher of Syria,” has been tapped to lead Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Erik Romanenko/TASS via ZUMA Press
Russian President Vladimir Putin’s appointment of Dvornikov indicates “Putin’s intent to continue this conflict for months, if not years,” according to Retired Adm. James Stavridis. via REUTERS
Dvornikov ordered troops to destroy Syrian cities and drop barrel bombs that displaced millions. AFP via Getty Images“The appointment of this new general indicates Vladimir Putin’s intent to continue this conflict for months, if not years,” Stavridis said, calling the general the “Butcher of Syria.”
“He is the goon called in by Vladimir Putin to flatten cities like Aleppo in Syria,” the retired admiral continued. “He has used tools of terrorism throughout that period, including working with the Syrian forces, torture centers, systematic rape, nerve agents. He is the worst of the worst.”
White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan said Dvornikov’s new role does not “erase the fact that Russia has already faced a strategic failure in Ukraine.”
Putin awarded Dvornikov the title of “Hero of the Russian Federation” in 2016 for his work in Syria, the country’s highest honorary title. AP/Efrem Lukatsky“This general will just be another author of crimes and brutality against Ukrainian civilians,” Sullivan said. “And the United States, as I said before, is determined to do all that we can to support Ukrainians as they resist him and they resist the forces that he commands.”
Dvornikov joined the Russian army in 1982 and fought during the second war in Chechnya before his time in Syria. Putin awarded him the title of “Hero of the Russian Federation” in 2016 for his work in Syria, the country’s highest honorary title.
With Post wires
