Gen. Sergei Surovikin, the deputy commander of the Russian group of forces fighting in Ukraine, is suspected to have been apprehended following a revolt initiated by mercenaries in Russia. According to U.S. and Ukrainian intelligence assessments, two anonymous sources have confirmed this information to The Associated Press. However, due to the secretive nature of Kremlin politics and the aftermath of the revolt, it remains uncertain whether Surovikin will face charges or where he is currently being held.
This reported detention coincides with the recent takeover of the military headquarters in Rostov-on-Don by Wagner Group mercenaries. Their intention to march towards Moscow in what seemed to be an aborted insurrection adds complexity to the situation. Yevgeny Prigozhin, the head of Wagner Group, has expressed admiration for Surovikin while criticizing other military officials. He even suggested that Surovikin should replace Gen. Valery Gerasimov as the General Staff chief. A recent report by The New York Times indicated that U.S. officials believe Surovikin had prior knowledge of Prigozhin’s plan to stage the revolt.
Both the White House and the Kremlin have declined to comment on these developments. Surovikin, who maintains close ties to Prigozhin, has not been seen since the beginning of the rebellion, when he released a video urging its end. Reports from a Russian military blogger, the Moscow Times, and the Financial Times suggest that Surovikin, who also serves as the commander of the Russian air force, has been arrested.
There is widespread speculation regarding the potential collusion of top military officers in the revolt and the subsequent punishment they may face for their betrayal. Family members of Surovikin and his close lieutenants have been unable to contact them for three days, raising suspicions about their status. Another military messaging channel, Rybar, has reported a purge within the ranks as authorities investigate allegations of support for Prigozhin.
Surovikin’s connection to Prigozhin dates back to their involvement in the Syrian conflict, where Russia has been conducting military operations since 2015 to support President Bashar Assad’s government and reclaim territory devastated by civil war. Prigozhin has consistently praised Surovikin and suggested his appointment as Gerasimov’s replacement, despite previously launching verbal attacks against other military officials. However, when the revolt began, Surovikin released a video urging its cessation.
Recent reports from The New York Times, suggesting Surovikin’s advanced knowledge of the revolt, were dismissed by Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov as “speculations and gossip.” When asked about Surovikin’s arrest, Peskov refused to comment and redirected inquiries to the Defense Ministry. Regarding military officials with links to Prigozhin, Peskov stated that decisions regarding their dismissal do not fall within his jurisdiction.
Surovikin, known as “General Armageddon” in Western media due to his harsh tactics in Syria and Ukraine, played a crucial role in strengthening Russian defenses after the retreat from Ukrainian territory last fall. He was appointed by Putin to lead Russian forces in Ukraine but was later demoted to the position of Gerasimov’s deputy. Gerasimov’s fate also remains unclear following the failed mutiny, as he was conspicuously absent from several events attended by Putin.
If a purge is indeed underway, it has the potential to destabilize the military chain of command and negatively impact troop morale. This could present an opportunity for Ukraine’s ongoing counteroffensive and the reclamation of more territory.
Denial of responsibility! VigourTimes is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
