Title: Former Commander of Russian Forces in Ukraine Dismissed as Head of Aerospace Forces
Introduction:
Russian General Sergei Surovikin, who previously commanded Moscow’s war effort in Ukraine, has reportedly been removed from his position as the head of the country’s aerospace forces. The news comes after Surovikin’s absence from public view following a mutiny by the Wagner mercenaries in June. Despite lacking official confirmation, various sources, including a prominent journalist and media outlets, have reported on Surovikin’s dismissal.
Details:
Alexei Venediktov, a well-connected former editor-in-chief of Ekho Moskvy radio station, announced on his Telegram channel that Surovikin had been removed, citing an undisclosed official decree. Venediktov added that Surovikin will remain in the defense ministry after his deposition. While the decree has not been made public, several nationalist Russian military blogs have also reported the replacement of Surovikin.
Surovikin served as the commander-in-chief of Russian units in Ukraine from October 2022 to January 2023, during which he ordered the withdrawal of Russian troops from the city of Kherson. However, his involvement in the mutiny by the Wagner mercenary group has raised suspicion, as Surovikin was considered a key ally of their leader, Yevgeny Prigozhin, in his power struggle against Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and Chief of General Staff Valery Gerasimov.
RBC, a Russian-language media outlet, confirmed Surovikin’s dismissal, citing their own sources. They stated that Surovikin had been relieved of his post in connection with transitioning to another job, remaining at the disposal of the Ministry of Defence. When questioned about the news, one of RBC’s sources mentioned that Surovikin was currently on short-term leave.
Conclusion:
While there is no official confirmation, reports of Sergei Surovikin’s dismissal as head of the aerospace forces have circulated in the media and among military blogs. Despite being involved in the Wagner mutiny, Surovikin’s fate was already determined immediately following the rebellion. The dismissal marks a significant development in the ongoing power struggles within the Russian defense establishment. Surovikin’s experience as the commander-in-chief of Russian units in Ukraine and his role in the Syrian civil war has earned him the nickname “General Armageddon.”