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Dismissal of Gen. Sergei Surovikin: A Consequence of the Wagner Uprising

by Andrew Wright
5 comments
Sergei Surovikin

In a recent development reported by Russian state media, Gen. Sergei Surovikin, formerly at the helm of Russia’s forces in Ukraine and associated with an armed rebellion’s leader, has been relieved of his position as the chief of the air force. This announcement on Wednesday follows a period of uncertainty regarding his status subsequent to the brief-lived uprising.

Since armed rebels, under the leadership of Yevgeny Prigozhin, head of the Wagner mercenary group, advanced towards Moscow in June, Gen. Surovikin has remained conspicuously absent from the public eye. A video released during the uprising featured Surovikin imploring Prigozhin’s forces to retreat.

Throughout his prolonged absence, Russian media outlets have engaged in speculations concerning Surovikin’s whereabouts. Some sources have even suggested that he might have been apprehended due to his alleged close affiliations with Prigozhin.

The Russian state news agency RIA Novosti, citing an unidentified source, divulged that Col. Gen. Viktor Afzalov, currently in charge of the main staff of the air force, has taken over Gen. Surovikin’s position as the commander of the Russian Aerospace Forces.

Notably, RIA Novosti often conveys the official stance of the Kremlin by citing anonymous officials within Russia’s defense and security establishment.

The Russian government, however, has abstained from making any official statements regarding this report, and independent verification of the news has not been attainable through The Big Big News.

In a report by the Russian daily newspaper RBC, it was disclosed that Gen. Surovikin is undergoing a transition to a new role and is presently on leave.

Prominent figures like Alexei Venediktov, former head of the now-defunct radio station Ekho Moskvy, and Ksenia Sobchak, daughter of a politician linked to Putin, conveyed through social media on Tuesday that Surovikin had been ousted.

Back in late June, Surovikin’s daughter communicated to the Russian social media channel Baza that her father had not been arrested.

The Wagner uprising presented a formidable challenge to President Vladimir Putin’s enduring 23-year leadership, and circulating reports had indicated that Gen. Surovikin might have possessed foreknowledge of this event.

According to Sobchak, Surovikin was stripped of his position on August 18th through a confidential decree. The family remains without any communication with him at present.

Notably nicknamed “General Armageddon” due to his relentless military campaign in Syria, Gen. Surovikin oversaw Russia’s operations in Ukraine from October 2022 to January 2023. Under his leadership, Russian forces carried out frequent missile barrages on Ukrainian cities, causing significant harm to civilian infrastructure and disrupting essential services such as heating, electricity, and water supply.

Both Gen. Surovikin and Prigozhin had active roles in Syria, where Russian forces have been engaged in supporting the government of Syrian President Bashar Assad since 2015.

Following Russia’s withdrawal from the southern city of Kherson in the face of a swift counteroffensive by Kyiv’s troops, Gen. Surovikin was replaced by Chief of General Staff Gen. Valery Gerasimov in the role of commander in Russia’s war in Ukraine. Nevertheless, Surovikin continued to serve as a deputy commander under Gerasimov.

Prigozhin, while criticizing Russia’s military leadership, had spoken positively of Surovikin and even suggested that he should assume the position of General Staff chief in place of Gerasimov.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Dismissal

What led to Gen. Sergei Surovikin’s dismissal from his role as chief of the Russian air force?

Gen. Sergei Surovikin, formerly associated with an armed rebellion led by Yevgeny Prigozhin’s forces, was dismissed from his position as chief of the air force. This decision comes after armed rebels marched towards Moscow and Surovikin urged them to retreat in a video during the uprising.

What has been Gen. Surovikin’s whereabouts since the uprising?

Gen. Surovikin has not been seen in public since the uprising, leading to speculation about his location. Some sources suggested he might have been detained due to his alleged close ties to Prigozhin.

Who has replaced Gen. Surovikin as the commander of the Russian Aerospace Forces?

Col. Gen. Viktor Afzalov, who currently heads the main staff of the air force, has taken over as commander of the Russian Aerospace Forces following Gen. Surovikin’s dismissal.

How has the Russian government responded to these developments?

The Russian government has not provided an official comment on the reported dismissal, and independent verification has not been possible.

What role did Gen. Surovikin play in Russia’s military actions?

Gen. Surovikin was known for leading Russia’s military campaigns, including a brutal operation in Syria and overseeing operations in Ukraine that involved missile barrages on Ukrainian cities, causing significant damage to civilian infrastructure.

What significance does the Wagner uprising hold?

The Wagner uprising posed a substantial challenge to President Vladimir Putin’s long-standing rule, and there were reports suggesting Gen. Surovikin might have had advance knowledge of the event.

Who else has commented on Gen. Surovikin’s removal?

Prominent figures like Alexei Venediktov and Ksenia Sobchak conveyed through social media that Gen. Surovikin had been removed from his post.

What is Gen. Surovikin’s nickname, and why is he known by that name?

Gen. Surovikin is nicknamed “General Armageddon” due to his ruthless military campaign in Syria and his leadership in Russia’s operations in Ukraine, which caused significant disruptions to civilian services.

What future roles are expected for Gen. Surovikin?

Reports suggest that Gen. Surovikin is being transferred to a new role and is currently on vacation.

What implications do these developments have for Russia’s air force leadership?

Gen. Surovikin’s dismissal amid the secrecy and speculation could impact Russia’s air force leadership, potentially leading to shifts in strategy and command structure.

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5 comments

CryptoKing August 23, 2023 - 2:39 pm

wait, surovikin’s into cryptos too? jeez, that’s a whole diff game. i wundr if his dismissal affects anythng there.

Reply
PoliticalJunkie August 23, 2023 - 10:53 pm

dis uprising’s got all sorts of twists. surovikin’s role, secrecy, political impact – russia’s in a whirlwind, eh?

Reply
CarEnthusiast August 24, 2023 - 1:59 am

man, surovikin’s knwn as “General Armageddon”? dat’s one intense nickname! wonder how his auto taste is tho, hah.

Reply
FinanceGuru August 24, 2023 - 2:33 am

surovikin’s dismissal cud stir up sum financiul repercussions 4 russia’s military moves. secrecy’s no good tho.

Reply
Alex123 August 24, 2023 - 9:23 am

yo this is sum serious stuff rite here! so dat Surovikin guy got da boot huh? wonder wat’s cookin in da Russian air force now.

Reply

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