Former commander of Moscow’s war effort in Ukraine, General Sergei Surovikin, has been dismissed from his position as head of Russia’s aerospace forces, according to reports by prominent Russian journalist Alexei Venediktov. While there has been no official confirmation, Venediktov stated that Surovikin had been removed by official decree, although he did not provide further details.
The news of Surovikin’s dismissal was also reported by the RBC media outlet, citing their own sources. According to RBC, Surovikin has been relieved of his post and is now under the disposal of the Ministry of Defence. It has been mentioned by one source that Surovikin is currently on short-term leave.
This recent development comes after Surovikin has not been seen in public since a brief mutiny by the Wagner mercenary group in June. During the mutiny, Surovikin appeared in a video, urging the group’s leader to stand down. There have been reports suggesting that Surovikin is being investigated for possible complicity in the mutiny.
Surovikin, who gained the nickname “General Armageddon” during Russia’s military intervention in Syria, previously took on the role of overseeing military operations in Ukraine in October. However, his responsibilities were later handed over to General Valery Gerasimov, with Surovikin becoming a deputy to Gerasimov instead.
While the reasons behind General Sergei Surovikin’s dismissal remain unclear, his removal from the position of head of Russia’s aerospace forces marks a significant shift within the country’s military leadership. As speculation mounts regarding his potential involvement in the Wagner mutiny, all eyes are now on the Ministry of Defence for any official statements or updates.
“Infuriatingly humble tv expert. Friendly student. Travel fanatic. Bacon fan. Unable to type with boxing gloves on.”