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Vladimir Putin isn't known for his level-headed approach, is he? So it should come as no surprise to learn that he's just gone and sacked every single commander in Russia's Baltic fleet. He's got no fucking chill at all.
Up to 50 officers were fired alongside Vice Admiral l Viktor Kravchuk and his chief of staff Rear Admiral Sergei Popov after they reportedly refused to follow orders to confront western ships, the Daily Mail reports.
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The sackings have been descried a 'Stalin-style purge', with reports in local media also suggesting that firings come after an alleged cover-up of a submarine accident as well as flaws in recruitment and military construction projects.
There's also been an undisclosed number of other senior officers of the fleets fired over serious flaws in combat training and their failure to take proper care of personnel.
After the news of the sackings was announced, The Moscow Times wrote: "Not since Stalin's purges had so many officers been ousted at once."
Sacking staff in such numbers and in such a public way is highly unusual for the Russian military. Usually, means are much more subtle. It's particularly unexpected as Putin visited the Baltic fleet last year in Kalingrad, and praised their performance.
Words Claire Reid
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