Ukraine is claiming that Vladimir Putin has fired his air force chief because of heavy losses in the war, which are estimated to have reached 50,000.

According to foreign media, the Telegraph reports, Colonel-General Andrey Serdyukov, 60, has "paid the price of destructive 'mass victims' among paratroopers," Ukrainian authorities claim.

The speculation comes after a Russian source suggested that the country's total losses in Ukraine are close to 50,000 - significantly higher than most other estimates.

Colonel-General Andrey Serdyukov, 60, has paid the price for the devastating 'mass casualties' among Russian paratroopers

Unconfirmed Ukrainian sources, quoted by Odessa military-civilian spokesman Serhiy Bratchuk, say Putin has replaced him with Colonel-General Mikhail Teplinsky, 53, the current chief of staff of the Central Military District, who was born in the region. and Donetsk.

It is estimated that "the continuous dismissal and possible internal purges of senior Russian officers are likely to further degrade the weak Russian command and control skills and the confidence of Russian officers."

However, world media say there has been no indication from Moscow that Serdyukov has been fired.

Funeral for an 18-year-old Russian soldier in the Urals, Russia.

If accurate, the figures imply a total military loss of 48,837 troops.

He is a "Hero of Russia" - the country's highest honor - and is seen as one of the country's most capable military minds.

As the Daily Mail recalls, he commanded the operation to annex Crimea from Ukraine in the spring of 2014 and reportedly took part in the "clash" at Pristina airport with NATO peacekeepers in 1999 as a 37-year-old, when Russian troops sneaked into the airport.

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Telegraphy

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