Taras Kholodov, the acting Commander General and Chief of Defence Staff of Polasciana’s armed forces, has apparently lost out to Major General Vasyl Sydorenko in the selection to become the country’s next permanent military chief. Insiders close to the selection panel, chaired by acting Prime Minister Krill Serbin, say General Kholodov was ‘pipped to the post’ by Mr Sydorenko who had previously acted as the chief military advisor to both president’s Lukyanov and Artamova, but had handed in his resignation prior to President Tattar’s accession. Sydorenko, 56, is thought to have wanted to return to military duty in some form, having spent the last 13 years advising senior politicians, but apparently expected his ‘long-shot’ bid to become Commander General to fail, enabling him to take up another high-profile role elsewhere in the military. Whilst not confirmed, should General Sydorenko be announced as the country’s next military head, he will be the second to come from the former east, following General Yuri Schechan who served as the country’s first chief, who quit the role last year after 16 years service.
“Sydorenko is a political beast who found himself promoted quickly under General Schechan. He was seen as a bright, young, military mind back in the transition – and quickly allied himself to those promoting modernisation, whilst General Kholodov is seen as a more traditional military figure” said one insider source. Another remarked that “With both men around the same age, with similar levels of experience, this decision, if it does indeed represent the panel’s final choice, would not be a huge surprise – both are able and willing candidates. Although the acting Commander General has been seen lately as too willing to bend to the government’s demands.” Others have expressed concern that General Sydorenko is ‘out of touch’ having spent so many years out of official military duties – with his secondment into his advisory role one that is not seen as an official armed forces post, or that he is too close with the leadership of the Unionist Party – having advised two Unionist presidents; “His appointment would be of worry to those who are concerned about the continued political direction of the country’s military – where they regard Yuri [Schechan] as too close to those at the top of the country’s largest party. This would certainly be an interesting appointment; and points to the idea that President Tattar is exercising some level of influence and control. This panel was chaired by the acting Prime Minister, and the candidate close to his government is apparently going to lose out – that’s a bitter blow to a leader who has only just come into post.”
Whilst the formal appointment of a candidate is still due to be made public, those with knowledge of the proceedings so far say the decision has already been made but the government has asked for more time to make the announcement of General Sydorenko’s appointment – apparently trying to find a replacement role for Mr Kholodov who would be expected to give way by the summer for his successor to take up full-time duties.
