Updated: 29/06/2023 14:42 Issued: 29/06/2023, 14:18
Moscow – The Kremlin today refused to answer questions about Russian General Sergei Surovikin. As reported by the Reuters agency, it is not clear where Surovikin is or what happened to him since Saturday’s rebellion of the Wagnerites. According to The Moscow Times, the general, who is the deputy commander of the invasion forces in Ukraine, was detained. The Financial Times came up with the same information today.
Surovikin, who fought in Chechnya or Syria, earned the nickname “General Armageddon” from the Russian press for his tough approach to the conduct of war. Nothing has been known about him since Saturday, when he appeared on a video in which he appealed to the leader of the Wagnerites, Yevgeny Prigozhin, to stop the rebellion. As Reuters noted, he appeared exhausted in the video and it was unclear whether he was speaking under duress. Since then, there have only been unconfirmed reports that he is being interrogated by security forces.
The Moscow Times already wrote on Wednesday, citing two anonymous sources close to the Ministry of Defense, that Surovikin had been detained. According to them, the detention is related to the armed rebellion of the Wagnerites, in which the general allegedly chose the wrong side. The Financial Times today confirmed the information about the detention with reference to its three sources. However, it is not clear whether Surovikin was detained as one of the organizers of the riot or just for questioning.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov today referred all questions about Surovikin to the Ministry of Defense, which has not yet issued any statement regarding him. Asked by journalists if the Kremlin could clarify the situation surrounding the general, Peskov said: “No, unfortunately not.” “I recommend that you contact the Department of Defense,” he added.
Surovikin commanded the Russian invasion troops in Ukraine from last October to January this year, then he was replaced in this post by Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov. In the past, he also participated in the second Russo-Chechen war, the conflict in Tajikistan and commanded Russian troops in Syria.
Russia Ukraine fighting riots army Wagners
2023-06-29 12:42:00
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