Russian General Dismissed After Speaking Out About Dire Situation in Ukraine
MOSCOW, July 13 – Major General Ivan Popov, who commanded Russia’s 58th Combined Arms Army, claimed that he has been dismissed as a commander after revealing the dire situation at the front in Ukraine to the military leadership. Popov accused the top military brass of betraying Russian soldiers and stated that they had been stabbed in the back. He specifically mentioned the lack of artillery and proper counter artillery systems, which he believes has led to the deaths of Russian soldiers.
The dismissal of Popov comes after the June 24 mutiny by Wagner mercenaries, which posed a significant challenge to the Russian state. Despite the mutiny, President Vladimir Putin has chosen to retain Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu and Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov in their positions.
In a voice message published by Russian lawmaker Andrei Gurulyov, Popov expressed his frustration with the military leadership. He accused the senior chiefs of beheading the army at the most critical moment and failing to address the problems at the front. The authenticity of the voice message has not been independently verified, and the defense ministry has not commented on Popov’s dismissal.
If the voice message is genuine, it suggests ongoing discontent within the Russian army as it engages in the largest land war in Europe since World War Two. The mutiny by Wagner mercenaries has raised concerns about the potential for civil war in Russia, according to President Putin.
Popov, whose military call sign was “Spartacus,” is a well-respected general who has previously served in Russia’s conflicts in Chechnya and Georgia. He stated that he had no choice but to speak out about the problems faced by Russian soldiers, even if it meant facing dismissal.
The remarks by Popov have sparked debate among war bloggers in Russia. Some view his comments as open defiance, while others believe he is a respected general who has fallen out with the top brass. Igor Girkin, a former Federal Security Service officer, described Popov’s dismissal as a dangerous precedent.
Popov’s future remains uncertain, and he expressed uncertainty about his fate. He believes that the senior chiefs sensed some kind of danger from him and quickly orchestrated his dismissal.
The defense ministry has not provided any information regarding Popov’s dismissal, and Russian state television channels have not reported on his remarks. However, the respected Russian newspaper Kommersant did cover the story.
Reporting by Guy Faulconbridge; Editing by Andrew Osborn and Angus MacSwan
Why did President Putin decide to remove Major General Ivan Popov instead of addressing the issues raised by him
Remove Popov from his position rather than address the concerns raised by the general.
Popov’s dismissal highlights the ongoing struggle within the Russian military over the handling of the conflict in Ukraine. While the official narrative from the Kremlin portrays Russia’s actions as necessary to protect Russian-speaking populations in eastern Ukraine, Popov’s comments shed light on the dire situation faced by Russian soldiers on the ground.
The lack of artillery support and proper counter artillery systems not only puts Russian soldiers at risk but also raises questions about the effectiveness of Russia’s military operations in Ukraine. Popov’s accusation of betrayal by the top military brass suggests a lack of accountability and transparency within the Russian military leadership.
This incident also follows the June 24 mutiny by Wagner mercenaries, a private military company known for its ties to the Russian government. The mutiny highlighted the growing dissatisfaction and disunity among Russian forces involved in the conflict. Despite this challenge to the Russian state, President Putin’s decision to remove Popov instead of addressing the issues raised by the general reflects a hesitancy to admit weaknesses or failures in Russia’s military strategy.
The dismissal of Popov may also serve as a warning to other military officials who may be considering speaking out about the situation in Ukraine. It sends a clear message that dissent will not be tolerated, and those who reveal uncomfortable truths will face consequences.
Overall, the dismissal of Major General Ivan Popov reveals the internal struggles and challenges faced by the Russian military in Ukraine. It raises questions about the transparency and effectiveness of Russia’s military operations, and highlights the consequences faced by those who attempt to reveal the truth about the situation.
It takes a tremendous amount of courage to expose failures at the frontline, especially in a military context. This Russian general should be commended for his honesty and commitment to accountability. His dismissal is a stark reminder of the need for transparency and reform within the system.
It takes immense courage to speak up about failures, especially in a high-ranking position. This Russian general’s dismissal highlights the need for accountability and transparency within the military.