LOGIN

Dismissal of a Senior Russian General Associated with Rebellious Mercenary Leader Reported

by Madison Thomas
5 comments
Sergei Surovikin

Gen. Sergei Surovikin, once a commander of Russian forces in Ukraine and connected with the leader of a short-lived armed insurrection, has been terminated from his position as the chief of the air force, as confirmed by Russian state media on Wednesday. This announcement has followed weeks of ambiguity surrounding his future.

Surovikin, known to have close connections with Prigozhin, had previously insisted on withdrawing the mercenaries.

The uprising led by Wagner presented a substantial challenge to President Vladimir Putin’s rule of 23 years. Information emerged that Surovikin might have had prior knowledge of the rebellion. Prigozhin, however, terminated the uprising before it reached Moscow, stating his desire to prevent bloodshed.

The absence of Surovikin has constituted one of many ongoing enigmas related to the rebellion. During this period of absence, there has been widespread conjecture about his location, including suggestions of his detention. However, his daughter denied these claims in a statement to Russian social media channel Baza in late June, saying her father was not arrested.

According to RIA Novosti, a Russian state news agency quoting an unidentified source, Surovikin has been succeeded as the commander of the Russian Aerospace Forces by Col. Gen. Viktor Afzalov, the chief of the main staff of the air force.

The agency often reflects the Kremlin’s official stance through its reports that include unnamed officials from Russia’s defense and security sectors.

The Russian government has refrained from commenting on the matter, and independent verification by The Big Big News has not been possible.

The Russian daily newspaper RBC has reported that Surovikin has been reassigned and is currently on vacation.

Prominent figures such as Alexei Venediktov, former leader of the closed radio station Ekho Moskvy, and Ksenia Sobchak, daughter of a politician linked to Putin, have publicly stated on social media that Surovikin was dismissed.

Sobchak further claimed that Surovikin’s removal occurred on August 18 through a confidential decree, and that his family remains out of contact with him.

Referred to as “General Armageddon” for his severe military campaign in Syria, Surovikin also commanded Russia’s operations in Ukraine from October 2022 to January 2023. His orders resulted in consistent missile attacks on Ukrainian cities, causing significant destruction to civilian facilities and disruption of essential services.

Both Surovikin and Prigozhin were actively engaged in Syria, supporting President Bashar Assad’s regime since 2015.

Following Russia’s retreat from Kherson, Gen. Valery Gerasimov replaced Surovikin as the commander in Ukraine. Despite this, Surovikin continued his service as Gerasimov’s deputy commander.

While Prigozhin praised Surovikin, he simultaneously criticized Russia’s military officials, even proposing Surovikin as a replacement for Gerasimov as General Staff chief.

Prigozhin remains in control of the mercenary group that successfully took over the Ukrainian city of Bakhmut earlier in the year. He initiated the rebellion to remove Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and other military leaders, accusing them of mishandling the war in Ukraine.

Following the rebellion, the Kremlin confirmed that Putin met with Prigozhin and Wagner commanders for three hours, before they apparently agreed to leave for exile in Belarus. In July, Prigozhin was spotted at a Russia-Africa summit in St. Petersburg, and he has recently posted his first video address since the mutiny, announcing his search for brave and strong men to serve Wagner in Africa.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Sergei Surovikin

Who is Gen. Sergei Surovikin and why has he been dismissed?

Gen. Sergei Surovikin was a former commander of Russia’s forces in Ukraine and was linked to the leader of a brief armed rebellion. He has been dismissed as chief of the air force, though the exact reasons are unclear. Speculation revolves around his connection to the rebellion and a possibly known insurrection beforehand.

What was the Wagner uprising?

The Wagner uprising was an armed rebellion led by a mercenary group, posing a significant challenge to President Vladimir Putin’s rule. The rebellion was called off before reaching Moscow, with its leader stating a desire to avoid bloodshed.

Who replaced Surovikin as the commander of the Russian Aerospace Forces?

Col. Gen. Viktor Afzalov, who heads the main staff of the air force, has reportedly replaced Surovikin as the commander of the Russian Aerospace Forces.

What is Prigozhin’s connection to the rebellion and Surovikin?

Prigozhin is believed to have close ties to Surovikin and was linked to the mercenary group responsible for the rebellion. He terminated the uprising before it reached Moscow and has been seen in public since, remaining in charge of the mercenary group.

What were some of Surovikin’s military campaigns?

Surovikin was known as “General Armageddon” for his brutal military campaign in Syria and led Russia’s operations in Ukraine between October 2022 and January 2023, launching missile barrages that caused significant damage to civilian infrastructure.

Has the Russian government commented on Surovikin’s dismissal?

The Russian government has not officially commented on the report of Surovikin’s dismissal, and independent confirmation has not been possible.

What are the speculations about Surovikin’s whereabouts after his dismissal?

There has been widespread speculation about Surovikin’s whereabouts, with some claiming he had been detained. However, his daughter denied these claims, and other reports suggest he is on vacation and has been transferred to a new job.

You may also like

5 comments

Emily R. August 23, 2023 - 6:10 pm

I didn’t follow the Wagner uprising much but after reading this, it seems very serious. This puts a lot of things in perspective.

Reply
Sarah Jane August 23, 2023 - 10:26 pm

Confusing situation, can’t really tell whats happening with the Russian government. Hope more details come out soon

Reply
Mike_T August 24, 2023 - 12:08 am

Surovikins military campaign sounded brutal, and his connection to the rebellion is shady. seems like a complex situation

Reply
John Smith August 24, 2023 - 7:00 am

Wow this is big news! Can’t believe Surovikin got dismissed. What’s gonna happen with the military now?

Reply
DavidK August 24, 2023 - 8:09 am

I knew about the Ukrainian situation, but Prigozhin and Wagner’s involvement in a rebellion? That’s new to me. Need to dig deeper.

Reply

Leave a Comment

BNB – Big Big News is a news portal that offers the latest news from around the world. BNB – Big Big News focuses on providing readers with the most up-to-date information from the U.S. and abroad, covering a wide range of topics, including politics, sports, entertainment, business, health, and more.

Editors' Picks

Latest News