In a stunning revelation, a high-ranking Russian military officer has been removed from his post in Ukraine after exposing the grim reality of the dire situation on the front lines. Major General Ivan Popov, formerly the commander of the 58th Army, bravely spoke out about the high casualty rate and lack of artillery support that plagued his troops in the southern Zaporizhzhia region.
In a leaked voice message posted on Telegram by Russian MP Andrei Gurulyov, Major General Popov expressed his decision to present an unfiltered account of the challenges his forces faced. “It was necessary either to keep quiet and be a coward or to say it the way it is,” he stated. “I had no right to lie in the name of you, in the name of my fallen comrades in arms, so I outlined all the problems which exist.”
Among the issues Major General Popov raised were the deficiencies in counter battery systems, impeding their ability to repel Ukrainian artillery attacks, and the lack of vital military intelligence. However, his candor was met with hostility from senior commanders, whom he accused of treason, and ultimately resulted in his dismissal, allegedly approved by Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu.
Russian military bloggers, known for their insightful commentary in the absence of official statements, reported that the order to remove Major General Popov came from General Valery Gerasimov, the head of Russia’s armed forces. Gerasimov allegedly accused Popov of “alarmism and blackmailing senior management” after the general emphasized the need to rotate soldiers who had endured extended periods on the front line, suffering significant losses.
Expressing his disbelief and betrayal, Major General Popov claimed that his dismissal was orchestrated by his own superiors, whom he accused of sabotaging the army during a critical and intense phase of the conflict. “The Ukrainian army could not break through our ranks at the front, but our senior chief hit us from the rear, viciously beheading the army at the most difficult and intense moment,” he revealed.
The Russian Defense Ministry has yet to issue a formal response to Major General Popov’s dismissal, leaving many questions unanswered regarding the circumstances surrounding his removal and the authenticity of his claims.
The Zaporizhzhia and Donetsk regions have become the focal points of Ukraine’s counteroffensive against the entrenched Russian defensive lines. Over a month into the operation, Ukrainian forces have faced significant challenges in breaching these well-established defenses.
Meanwhile, other notable figures within the Russian military have become subjects of speculation. Gen Sergei Surovikin, a former Russian commander who allegedly enjoyed close ties with Yevgeny Prigozhin, the former Wagner boss, has not been seen in public since a reported mutiny within the Wagner Group. Russian media had previously suggested his arrest, but no official confirmation or comment has been provided regarding his whereabouts.
In a further blow to the Russian military, rumors circulate about the demise of Lt Gen Oleg Tsokov, said to have been killed in a strike along Ukraine’s occupied south coast. However, Russia’s defense ministry has yet to verify these reports, adding to the cloud of uncertainty surrounding the situation.
As the conflict in Ukraine rages on, the removal of Major General Popov highlights the challenges faced by those seeking to convey an unfiltered truth in the midst of a complex and highly controlled military operation. The repercussions of his dismissal and the subsequent silencing of his voice cast a shadow over the integrity of information coming from the front lines and raise further questions about the nature of the conflict itself.