Photo of 'Obese Russian General' in Putin's Army Prompts Speculation

An unconfirmed photo of a retired Russian general in Vladimir Putin's army has sparked speculation amid reports that Moscow is deploying retired personnel in the war against Ukraine because of combat losses.

A senior intelligence source told the Daily Star on Sunday that Putin ordered 67-year-old General Pavel back to active service last month to lead Russian special forces operating in Ukraine.

The source said Pavel had retired from active service five years ago and had been living in a Moscow suburb until he was called back to lead a unit after a former commander sustained serious injuries in an artillery strike.