KYIV, June 11 - In an apparent recognition of flaws in the top chain of command, Russia’s Defense Ministry announced what appeared to be a demotion for the head of Russian forces in Ukraine after only three months in the job.

The chief of the military’s General Staff, Gen. Valery Gerasimov, was named to that role, replacing Gen. Sergei Surovikin, who was named his deputy, along with two other generals, The Associated Press reported. Surovikin was credited with strengthening coordination and reinforcing control but his demotion signaled that Putin wasn’t fully satisfied with his performance.