Russian General Dismissed After Speaking Out Against Military Leadership
MOSCOW, July 13 – Major General Ivan Popov, who commanded the 58th Combined Arms Army, has claimed that he was dismissed as a commander after revealing the dire situation at the front in Ukraine to the military leadership. Popov accused the top brass of betraying Russian soldiers and stated that they had been stabbed in the back by their own leaders.
In a voice message published by Russian lawmaker Andrei Gurulyov, Popov said, “The Ukrainian army could not break through our ranks at the front but our senior chief hit us from the rear, viciously beheading the army at the most difficult and intense moment.” He also highlighted the lack of proper counter artillery systems and reconnaissance of enemy artillery, which he claimed resulted in the deaths of Russian soldiers.
The defence ministry has remained silent on Popov’s dismissal, and there has been no immediate comment from them regarding his claims. The authenticity of the voice message has not been independently verified.
This public criticism from a battle-hardened general comes less than three weeks after the mutiny by Wagner mercenaries, which posed a significant challenge to the Russian state. President Vladimir Putin has so far retained Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu and Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov in their positions.
The consequences of the mutiny, according to Wagner leader Yevgeny Prigozhin, have yet to fully play out. Prigozhin, along with General Sergei Surovikin, a deputy commander of Russia’s military operations in Ukraine, have not been seen in public since the mutiny.
Popov’s remarks have sparked debate among war bloggers in Russia, with some viewing them as open defiance and others suggesting that Popov is simply a well-respected general who has fallen out with the top brass.
In 2017, the official newspaper of Russia’s armed forces published a profile of Popov, stating that he had previously served in Russia’s war against separatists in Chechnya and in the 2008 war in Georgia.
The future of Major General Ivan Popov remains uncertain as he awaits his fate following his dismissal.
Reporting by Guy Faulconbridge; Editing by Andrew Osborn and Angus MacSwan
What evidence does Major General Ivan Popov provide to support his accusations of betrayal by top-ranking military officers?
Russian General Accuses Military Leadership of Betrayal
Major General Ivan Popov, former commander of the 58th Combined Arms Army, claims he was relieved of his duties after revealing the dire situation at the front in Ukraine to military leadership. Popov accuses top-ranking officers of stabbing Russian soldiers in the back and betraying them.
In a voice message made public by Russian lawmaker Andrei Gurulyov, Popov stated, “The Ukrainian army couldn’t penetrate our ranks on the front, but our senior chief attacked us from behind, mercilessly decimating the army during the most critical and intense moment.” He also highlighted the lack of adequate counter artillery systems and enemy artillery reconnaissance, resulting in the deaths of Russian soldiers.
The defense ministry has chosen to remain silent on Popov’s dismissal and has not responded to his allegations. The authenticity of the voice message has not been independently verified.
These bold criticisms from a highly experienced general come shortly after the recent rebellion by Wagner mercenaries, which posed a significant challenge to the Russian state. President Vladimir Putin has thus far decided to retain Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov in their positions.
The full consequences of the mutiny, according to Wagner leader Yevgeny Prigozhin, are yet to unfold. Prigozhin and General Sergei Surovikin, a deputy commander of Russia’s military operations in Ukraine, have not been seen in public since the rebellion.
Popov’s remarks have ignited debate among war bloggers in Russia, with some viewing them as open defiance while others believe that Popov, a respected general, has simply fallen out with his superiors.
In 2017, the official newspaper of Russia’s armed forces published a profile of Popov, highlighting his prior service in Russia’s conflicts against separatists in Chechnya and in the 2008 war in Georgia.
As Major General Ivan Popov awaits his fate following his dismissal, the future remains uncertain.
Reporting by Guy Faulconbridge; Editing by Andrew Osborn and Angus MacSwan
It is disheartening to see a Russian Army general being dismissed for simply expressing his concerns about the military leadership during the Ukraine conflict. In order to foster a culture of transparency and accountability, constructive criticism should be encouraged rather than silenced.