Jens Asbjørn Bøgen
He switched sides after the Russian annexation of Crimea in 2014.
He switched sides after the Russian annexation of Crimea in 2014.
What is happening?
A former Ukrainian officer, Serhii Storozhenko, is reportedly leading Russian forces in an ongoing push toward Kupiansk, a strategically important town in Ukraine’s northeastern Kharkiv Oblast, according to BBC News Ukraine.
A key battleground in the Northeast
Fierce clashes have continued for months around Kupiansk, which sits about 65 miles east of the regional capital, Kharkiv.
The Ukrainian military describes the situation in the town as “tense,” with Russian troops pressing in from nearby villages.
Russian forces use deceptive tactics
Ukrainian commanders warn that Russian units are trying to bypass defenses by using gas pipelines and disguising themselves as civilians—actions that Kyiv says constitute war crimes under international law.
Storozhenko commands a major offensive force
Russia’s 6th Combined Arms Army, now under the command of Lieutenant General Storozhenko, is said to be playing a central role in the offensive.
The BBC cites both Russian military bloggers and Ukrainian analysts in confirming his involvement.
From Ukrainian soldier to Russian citizen
Born in Kharkiv Oblast in 1975, Storozhenko spent much of his military career in Ukraine.
He defected to Russia following the 2014 annexation of Crimea and quickly received Russian citizenship, according to BBC reporting.
A notable past in Ukraine’s military
Before defecting, Storozhenko served with Ukraine’s 36th Coastal Defense Brigade and held a leadership role during the NATO-led KFOR mission in Kosovo, acting as deputy commander of the Ukrainian contingent.
The turning point
During Russia’s 2014 takeover of Crimea, Storozhenko commanded about 1,200 Ukrainian troops.
Around half eventually returned to mainland Ukraine; the remaining soldiers, including Storozhenko, chose to stay and switch sides.
Rapid rise through Russian military ranks
After joining Russia’s military, Storozhenko was given command of the newly formed 126th Coastal Defense Brigade in Crimea.
Over the next several years, he climbed the ranks, earning promotions and broader responsibilities.
A key player in Russia’s full-scale invasion
At the time of Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, Storozhenko held the rank of major general and served as chief of staff for Russia’s 35th Army, which participated in early fighting in Kharkiv Oblast.
Putin’s support cemented in 2023
In 2023, Russian President Vladimir Putin promoted Storozhenko to lieutenant general and appointed him commander of the 6th Combined Arms Army, now tasked with spearheading efforts to seize Kupiansk.
This article is made and published by Jens Asbjørn Bogen, which may have used AI in the preparation
