VLADIMIR Putin has fired his top general amid ongoing humiliating blows from Ukraine.

General Alexander Lapin, 61, was reportedly sacked for failing to sweep through the Sumy region - considered one of the tyrant's key war goals.

Once a decorated militant, he was awarded the Kremlin 's top honour: the Hero of Russia .

Despite his many medals, however, he came under fire and was criticised as "incompetent" by military experts.

Putin ally Ramzan Kadyrov , head of Chechnya , said of him three years ago: “If I had my way, I would have demoted Lapin to private, deprived him of his awards, and sent him to the front line to wash off his shame with the rifle in his hands.”

Reports suggest Russia lost three battalions in its attempt to capture the Sumy region as Ukraine continues

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