News F rom The Front. . .

(News From The Front. . .)

In May, 1942, Soviet General Andrei Vlasov was in command of an army among several others in an attempt to lift the siege of Leningrad. Vlasov's formation made progress against the captive city but the other armies failed to support it. Vlasov's army was eventually encircled and was gradually destroyed. Soviet aims at the time in Mau, 1942 were in the South so there was no ability to rescue Vlasov up north. The Soviet general felt embittered at what he saw as the callous dis-regard of the Soviet High Command and Stalin. Therefore, Vlasov defected to the Germans.


The Germans saw fit to fit the former Soviet commander of what was termed the Russian Liberation Front (ROA). The ROA came to be filled with anti-Stalin elements and an army was eventually fielded with Vlasov in command. However, the ROA's only engagement with the Red Army happened as the Soviets were approaching Berlin in battles for Czechoslovakia. Vlasov's "army was destroyed and its commander was arrested as a traitor. Soviet and then German General, Andrei Vaslov was hung in May, 1946.


Now. it is possible that history could be repeating itself. A mercenary formation known as the Wagner Group that had initially been employed by Moscow for service in Ukraine might have switched sides. The group has apparently taken control of the town of Rostov, on the Don River and acquired significant Russian material. Wagner is continuing to march north, the town of Voronezh possibly the next target. It is being assumed that the ultimate objective is Moscow.


But if the Russian soldiers ? The weapons cashes at Rostov and the ones to be taken at Voronezh are taking place with minimal Russian resistance. The group's leader is calling this column a "march for justice," with the stated goal of removing the Russian military leadership. Will that include President Putin ?


For his part, Putin has said this "rebellion" will be dealt with. It is not much to say that this Wagner Group defection, just like General Vlasov's in 1942, changes the situation on the ground in Ukraine. The loss of Wagner coupled by the on-going Ukrainian offensive could be start of some strategic resolution. One can only hope.

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