An overweight retired Russian general has been sent to fight in Ukraine, as Moscow has been left without senior military officials being killed almost daily in fierce fighting with Ukrainians.

The 67-year-old general weighs 130 kilograms and is said to be now in charge of special operations of the Russian army in eastern Ukraine, after another former Russian commander was seriously wounded during an artillery attack, Telegrafi reports.

The veteran of the Russian army in Afghanistan, is known as General Paveli.

Intelligence sources have told the Daily Star that Putin is replacing senior military superiors.

"Most senior military officials have been killed or wounded in the war in Ukraine, so they are now sending second-class officials to the front line," the source added.

Even Putin is not hesitating to reinstate retired generals, as is the case with General Pavel.

"Putin is like a mafia boss who no one dares to submit to his demands.

If the retired general receives a message from Putin saying that mother Russia needs him to fight in Ukraine, there is not much room for maneuver.

"There is no escape from Russia thanks to Western sanctions," the intelligence source added.

Pavel is a military man with over 40 years of experience and became commander of Russian special forces - but that happened 25 years ago when he was younger and weaker.

He is so complete that the military uniform has to be sewn especially for him, and the bulletproof vest is custom made for his chest.

He eats five times a day and drinks at least a liter of vodka.

Russia is believed to have lost more than 10 generals in the war in Ukraine and over 30 other military officials.

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