Keir Giles: Last News

Russian army and replaced him with the so-called 'Butcher of Mariupol'.Dmitry Bulgakov, 68, was relieved of his duties after a string of successful counter-attacks were launched by the Ukrainian forces.He has served served in the role for 14 years.READ MORE: Russia's forbidden military testing region filled with bears, volcanos and missilesHis replacement, Mikhail Mizintsev, has a fearsome reputation and rose to infamy over his role in the indiscriminate blitzing of Mariupol resulting in civilian casualties.He is widely believed to have been behind orders to bomb the city's theatre and hospital, which have been labelled war crimes by the international community.His controversial hiring has increased the tension surrounding the war, with Putin announcing a call up of reserve fighters two days ago. The Russian dictator also hinted he would be willing to use nuclear weapons.

Russian leader is in declining health, but Vladimir Putin looked to have great stamina as the 69-year-old delivered an "impressive" 72-minute speech to officials.The Russian President accused Americans of "declaring they are sent by God to Earth with their sacred interests" during the spiel to the St Petersburg International Economic Forum.Rumours that Putin is dangerously ill were boosted by a secret US intelligence report that claimed the Russian leader was treated for an advanced case of cancer last month.