A Russian general linked to atrocities in Syria has been placed in charge of the Ukrainian invasion, according to reports.
General Alexander Dvornikov, formerly commander of Russia’s southern military district, is leading the invasion following a series of military failures, a western official told the BBC on condition of anonymity.
Gen Dvornikov “has a lot of experience of Russian operations in Syria” leading western officials to “expect the overall command and control to improve”, the official said.
Sir Roderic Lyne, the former UK ambassador to Russia, appeared to confirm the appointment in an interview with Sky News.
Claiming Vladimir Putin has failed in his military objectives, he said: "I think that’s why they are re-concentrated their efforts on the south and the east.
"They’ve appointed a new general with a pretty savage track record in Syria to try to at least gain some territory in Donetsk that Putin could present as a victory."
Gen Dvornikov is believed to be behind the horrific shelling of a railway station full of women and children in Donetsk on Friday.
The missile attack killed at least 52 people in Kramatorsk, with images showing bodies scattered across rubble.
The railway was reportedly packed with thousands desperately seeking to flee eastern Ukraine.
Outrage saw Johnson condemn the attack on fleeing civilians at the Kramatorsk train station.
He called it “unconscionable” as he suggested Putin’s forces were guilty of a war crime.
He told a Downing Street press conference: “The attack at the train station in eastern Ukraine shows the depth to which Putin’s once vaunted army has sunk.
US President Joe Biden said it was “yet another horrific atrocity committed by Russia”.
