The Moral Dilemma of General Colonel Mikhail Teplinsky: A Case Study in Leadership During War

In the midst of conflicts where superiors and subordinates are expected to maintain an unwavering chain of command, moments arise that question the very fabric of this discipline. The story of General Colonel Mikhail Teplinsky, the commander of the Russian VDV (airborne forces), offers an intriguing case study on the complexities of military leadership in times of war. Dismissed in January 2023 for permitting his troops to rest from frontline combat, only to be reinstated three months later, Teplinsky’s rollercoaster career trajectory brings to the forefront the age-old debate on obedience versus human consideration within the military hierarchy.

The Dilemma and the Decision

The first layer of this multi-dimensional issue is the dilemma Teplinsky faced. Reportedly, his troops suffered heavy casualties and morale was spiraling downward during the Ukrainian counteroffensive. This placed Teplinsky on the horns of a dreadful dilemma: either obey orders to launch “decisive actions,” potentially exacerbating the loss of life and eroding morale even further, or break ranks with the Kremlin’s directives to protect the wellbeing of his troops. In a move that could be interpreted as both noble and insubordinate, he chose the latter.

An Act of Defiance or Leadership?

The act was undeniably brave. Anyone familiar with military protocol understands that disobedience can be career-ending, not to mention life-threatening in extreme cases. By allowing his troops a respite, Teplinsky risked not just his own career but also faced the ire of his superiors, the Kremlin, which viewed his decision as an act of defiance. Yet, should we not consider his choice an act of leadership? After all, a leader’s responsibility is not just to higher-ups but also to the men and women under his command.