Moscow, Russia – A local lawmaker in Kursk Oblast has made a shocking claim, alleging that President Vladimir Putin has appointed his former bodyguard, Viktor Zolotov, to oversee Russia’s military response to the ongoing invasion of the region.

The lawmaker, who requested anonymity for fear of retribution, revealed the information in a private conversation with reporters. “The news is circulating within our circles,” the source stated, “and it’s causing significant unease. Zolotov is a loyalist, but his experience is in security, not military strategy. This move feels desperate.”

Zolotov, a former head of the Federal Security Service (FSB), is known for his unwavering loyalty to Putin and his aggressive tactics. He served as Putin’s bodyguard for years before heading the National Guard, a powerful force with a history of human rights violations. His appointment to lead the Kursk response, a region facing a fierce Ukrainian counteroffensive, has raised eyebrows among military analysts.

“Putting a former bodyguard in charge of a military operation is unheard of,” commented Dr. Anna Petrova, a military analyst at the Institute for Strategic Studies. “It suggests a lack of confidence in the existing military leadership, and potentially a desire to circumvent traditional command structures.”

The Ukrainian counteroffensive in Kursk Oblast has been successful in recent weeks, pushing back Russian forces and putting pressure on the Kremlin. The appointment of Zolotov, coupled with ongoing reports of heavy casualties and equipment shortages within the Russian military, suggests a crisis within the Kremlin’s war planning.

While official confirmation of Zolotov’s appointment is yet to be released, the possibility has sparked widespread speculation and concern. The appointment, if true, could signal a shift in the Kremlin’s approach to the war, potentially leading to even greater militarization and escalation.

This development comes as the war in Ukraine enters its 18th month, with no clear end in sight. The impact of Zolotov’s appointment, if confirmed, could have significant implications for the course of the conflict and the fate of the Kursk region.

The Kremlin has not responded to these allegations.