A senior Russian military general operating in southern Ukraine was reportedly fired for questioning the defence ministry’s tactics. Major General Ivan Popovhad accused the military top brass of “betraying” the troops on the battlefield.

He was the commander of the 58th Army that has been fighting in the southern Zaporizhzhia region.

In a voice message on Telegram app, Maj Gen Popov said he was relieved of his duty because he questioned the “lack of counter-battery combat, the absence of artillery reconnaissance stations and the mass deaths and injuries of our brothers from enemy artillery.”

"It was necessary either to keep quiet and be a coward or to say it the way it is," he said, according to BBC.

"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."

<h2>'Sergei Shoigu got rid of me'</h2>

According to CNN, the voice message was shared by a member of the Russian Parliament and former deputy commander of the Southern Military District, Andrey Gurulev.

“I also raised a number of other problems and expressed it all at the highest level frankly and extremely harshly,” Popov was quoted as saying in the message.

He claimed that Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu “got rid of me,”, as he accused the top Kremlin official of treason.

“As many commanders of divisional regiments said today, the servicemen of the armed forces of Ukraine could not break through our army from the front, (but) our senior commander hit us from the rear, treacherously and vilely decapitating the army at the most difficult and tense moment,” Popov said.

<h2>Russian President Putin may visit China to attend Belt &amp; Road Summit in October&nbsp;</h2>

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The 58th Combined Arms Army has been fighting the war in the occupied Berdyansk city.

<h2>Cracks in Russian defences?</h2>

According to reports, their base&nbsp;there at the Dune hotel was hit by a missile attack early Tuesday that killed another Russian general.

A Russian military blogger, Voyenniy Osvedomitel, on Tuesday, revealed that the deputy commander of the Southern Military District, Lt. Gen. Oleg Tsokov, was killed due to the strike by British Storm Shadow cruise missiles.

In his concluding message, Popov said, “Good night, my beloved gladiators, beloved relatives, one family. I had to collect my thoughts, a lot of things happened in the last two days.

“I am always available to you. It is an honour for me to stand with you in the same ranks.”

<h2>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/russians-scrambled-to-withdraw-hundred-billion-rubles-during-wagners-mutiny-615118">Russians scrambled to withdraw hundred billion rubles during Wagner's mutiny</a></h2>

Zaporizhzhia and the eastern Donetsk region have witnessed renewed Ukraine attacks in the wake of its counteroffensive, which was launched over a month ago.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/top-russian-spy-confirms-phone-call-to-cia-director-following-wagner-revolt-615095">Top Russian spy confirms phone call to CIA director following Wagner revolt</a>

However, it has not achieved the desired result due to strong pushback from Russian defensive lines.

On Wednesday, another Russian MP said&nbsp;former Russian commander Gen Sergei Surovikin,&nbsp;who has not been seen in public since the Wagner mutiny, was "resting".

(With inputs from agencies)

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A senior Russian military general operating in southern Ukraine was reportedly fired for questioning the defence ministry’s tactics. Major General Ivan Popovhad accused the military top brass of “betraying” the troops on the battlefield.

A senior Russian military general operating in southern Ukraine was reportedly fired for questioning the defence ministry’s tactics. Major General Ivan Popovhad accused the military top brass of “betraying” the troops on the battlefield. He was the commander of the 58th Army that has been fighting in the southern Zaporizhzhia region. In a voice message on Telegram app, Maj Gen Popov said he was relieved of his duty because he questioned the “lack of counter-battery combat, the absence of artillery reconnaissance stations and the mass deaths and injuries of our brothers from enemy artillery.” "It was necessary either to keep quiet and be a coward or to say it the way it is," he said, according to BBC. "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." 'Sergei Shoigu got rid of me' According to CNN, the voice message was shared by a member of the Russian Parliament and former deputy commander of the Southern Military District, Andrey Gurulev. “I also raised a number of other problems and expressed it all at the highest level frankly and extremely harshly,” Popov was quoted as saying in the message. He claimed that Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu “got rid of me,”, as he accused the top Kremlin official of treason. “As many commanders of divisional regiments said today, the servicemen of the armed forces of Ukraine could not break through our army from the front, (but) our senior commander hit us from the rear, treacherously and vilely decapitating the army at the most difficult and tense moment,” Popov said. Russian President Putin may visit China to attend Belt & Road Summit in October The 58th Combined Arms Army has been fighting the war in the occupied Berdyansk city. Cracks in Russian defences? According to reports, their base there at the Dune hotel was hit by a missile attack early Tuesday that killed another Russian general. A Russian military blogger, Voyenniy Osvedomitel, on Tuesday, revealed that the deputy commander of the Southern Military District, Lt. Gen. Oleg Tsokov, was killed due to the strike by British Storm Shadow cruise missiles. In his concluding message, Popov said, “Good night, my beloved gladiators, beloved relatives, one family. I had to collect my thoughts, a lot of things happened in the last two days. “I am always available to you. It is an honour for me to stand with you in the same ranks.” Also read | Russians scrambled to withdraw hundred billion rubles during Wagner's mutiny Zaporizhzhia and the eastern Donetsk region have witnessed renewed Ukraine attacks in the wake of its counteroffensive, which was launched over a month ago. Also read | Top Russian spy confirms phone call to CIA director following Wagner revolt However, it has not achieved the desired result due to strong pushback from Russian defensive lines. On Wednesday, another Russian MP said former Russian commander Gen Sergei Surovikin, who has not been seen in public since the Wagner mutiny, was "resting". (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Russian top general sacked for questioning defence ministry’s tactics in southern Ukraine

Deputy commander of Russia's military operations in Ukraine, General Sergei Surovikin, who has not been seen in public since the mutiny by mercenary group Wagner, is currently 'resting', said a lawmaker from the ruling party on Wednesday.

As per Reuters reports, Andrei Kartapolov, head of the State Duma Defence Committee, is heard saying in a video posted on social media: "Surovikin is currently resting. (He is) not available for now."

Surovikin, who is also called 'General Armageddon' by the Russian press for his assertive strategies in the Syria conflict, was last seen publicly when he issued an appeal via a video urging the mercenary group to halt the mutiny while it was underway.

As per reports, Surovikin had good relations with Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin, who appreciated the general while regularly criticising Moscow's military leadership, especially Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu and Chief of Staff Valery Gerasimov, over their handling of the war in Ukraine.

As per a New York Times report based on a U.S. intelligence briefing, Surovikin had prior knowledge of the rebellion and that Russian authorities were probing if he was associated with it or not.

According to the news agency Reuters, Russian and international media, last month, reported that Surovikin had been arrested, but there has been no official confirmation of that, and the Kremlin has declined to answer questions about him.&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/west-to-offer-security-commitments-to-ukraine-after-slow-progress-on-its-nato-induction-614673">West to offer long-term security commitments to Ukraine after slow progress on its NATO induction</a>

<h2>Putin met Wagner chief five days after failed coup attempt: Kremlin</h2>

Russian President Vladimir Putin met the Wagner mercenary group’s chief Yevgeny Prigozhin five days after the failed coup attempt, the Kremlin said on Monday.

Briefing the reporters, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that the meeting took place on June 29, in which 35 people were invited, including unit commanders. He further said that the meeting lasted three hours.

Putin “gave his assessment of the events of June 24,” Peskov said, referring to the date of the Wagner Group’s failed uprising. He added that Putin also "listened to accounts given by (Wagner) commanders".

The Wagner commanders told Putin they were his soldiers and would continue to fight for him.

The development comes following speculations that Prigozhin wasn't exiled to Belarus at all as part of the peace deal brokered by Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko.

Last week, Lukashenko told reporters that it was unclear if the Wagner fighters would come to Belarus after he previously offered them a desert military base.

“As for Prigozhin, he's in St Petersburg. He is not on the territory of Belarus," he said.

Responding to Lukashenko's remarks, the Kremlin said it was "not following" Prigozhin's movements.

"No, we do not follow his movements, we have neither the ability nor the desire to do so," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Deputy commander of Russia's military operations in Ukraine, General Sergei Surovikin, who has not been seen in public since the mutiny by mercenary group Wagner, is currently 'resting', said a lawmaker from the ruling party on Wednesday.

Deputy commander of Russia's military operations in Ukraine, General Sergei Surovikin, who has not been seen in public since the mutiny by mercenary group Wagner, is currently 'resting', said a lawmaker from the ruling party on Wednesday. As per Reuters reports, Andrei Kartapolov, head of the State Duma Defence Committee, is heard saying in a video posted on social media: "Surovikin is currently resting. (He is) not available for now." Surovikin, who is also called 'General Armageddon' by the Russian press for his assertive strategies in the Syria conflict, was last seen publicly when he issued an appeal via a video urging the mercenary group to halt the mutiny while it was underway. As per reports, Surovikin had good relations with Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin, who appreciated the general while regularly criticising Moscow's military leadership, especially Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu and Chief of Staff Valery Gerasimov, over their handling of the war in Ukraine. As per a New York Times report based on a U.S. intelligence briefing, Surovikin had prior knowledge of the rebellion and that Russian authorities were probing if he was associated with it or not. According to the news agency Reuters, Russian and international media, last month, reported that Surovikin had been arrested, but there has been no official confirmation of that, and the Kremlin has declined to answer questions about him. Also read: West to offer long-term security commitments to Ukraine after slow progress on its NATO induction Putin met Wagner chief five days after failed coup attempt: Kremlin Russian President Vladimir Putin met the Wagner mercenary group’s chief Yevgeny Prigozhin five days after the failed coup attempt, the Kremlin said on Monday. Briefing the reporters, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that the meeting took place on June 29, in which 35 people were invited, including unit commanders. He further said that the meeting lasted three hours. Putin “gave his assessment of the events of June 24,” Peskov said, referring to the date of the Wagner Group’s failed uprising. He added that Putin also "listened to accounts given by (Wagner) commanders". The Wagner commanders told Putin they were his soldiers and would continue to fight for him. The development comes following speculations that Prigozhin wasn't exiled to Belarus at all as part of the peace deal brokered by Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko. Last week, Lukashenko told reporters that it was unclear if the Wagner fighters would come to Belarus after he previously offered them a desert military base. “As for Prigozhin, he's in St Petersburg. He is not on the territory of Belarus," he said. Responding to Lukashenko's remarks, the Kremlin said it was "not following" Prigozhin's movements. "No, we do not follow his movements, we have neither the ability nor the desire to do so," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Top Russian general not seen in public since Wagner mutiny, lawmaker says 'he's resting'

General Sergei Surovikin, the deputy commander of Russia’s military operations in Ukraine, was detained by the Russian authorities after he went briefly missing following the short-lived rebellion of the Wagner’s forces, Moscow Times newspaper reported citing sources.

Surovikin, nicknamed "General Armageddon" by the Russian press for his aggressive tactics in the Syrian conflict, is a decorated soldier and a veteran of Russia’s wars in Chechnya and Syria. It is said that he is a close friend of&nbsp;Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin.

He was last seen on Saturday when he appeared in a video appealing to mercenary leader Yevgeny Prigozhin to halt his mutiny.

The newspaper citing two sources close to Russia’s Defence Ministry, reported that Surovikin was arrested on Wednesday because he “chose” Wagner chief Yevgeny “Prigozhin’s side during the uprising”.

It is also being reported that Surovikin was aware of Prigozhin’s coup plans, but did not alert the top brass in the Russian defence ministry.

A Russian military blogger, Vladimir Romanov, also reported Surovikin’s arrest on Wednesday, the Moscow Times reported.

Additionally, there are also reports of the arrest of the military “affiliates” of Surovikin who had been “accused of complicity in the rebellion”.

<h2>Kremlin’s response</h2>

During a press conference on Thursday, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov did not provide information about the reports of Surovikin’s detention and referred the matter to the defence ministry, which has yet to make a statement.

Asked by reporters if the Kremlin could clarify the situation with Surovikin, Peskov said: "No, unfortunately not."

"So, I recommend that you contact the defence ministry; this is its prerogative," he said, according to Reuters news agency.

When a reporter asked if President Vladimir Putin still continued to trust Surovikin, Peskov said, "He is the supreme commander-in-chief and he works with the defence minister and with the chief of the General Staff."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-vladimir-putin-wanted-to-kill-wagner-chief-yevgeny-prigozhin-but-stopped-heres-how-609686">Vladimir Putin wanted to kill Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin but stopped. Here's what happened</a>

Questions about "structural units within the ministry," Peskov said, should be addressed to the defence ministry.

When asked about Prigozhin's whereabouts, Peskov said he did not have information about the Wagner chief’s location at the current time.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nepali-gurkhas-joining-wagner-group-eyeing-russian-citizenship-report-609705">Nepali Gurkhas joining Wagner group while eyeing Russian citizenship: Report</a>

<h2>What will happen to Wagner's troops?</h2>

On Monday, the Russian Defence Ministry said that preparations are underway for Wagner's troops, who numbered 25,000, to hand over their heavy weapons to the Russian military.&nbsp;

Prigozhin had said those moves were being taken ahead of a July 1 deadline for his fighters to sign contracts to serve under the Russian military's command.

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

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General Sergei Surovikin, the deputy commander of Russia’s military operations in Ukraine, was detained by the Russian authorities after he went briefly missing following the short-lived rebellion of the Wagner’s forces, Moscow Times newspaper reported citing sources.

General Sergei Surovikin, the deputy commander of Russia’s military operations in Ukraine, was detained by the Russian authorities after he went briefly missing following the short-lived rebellion of the Wagner’s forces, Moscow Times newspaper reported citing sources. Surovikin, nicknamed "General Armageddon" by the Russian press for his aggressive tactics in the Syrian conflict, is a decorated soldier and a veteran of Russia’s wars in Chechnya and Syria. It is said that he is a close friend of Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin. He was last seen on Saturday when he appeared in a video appealing to mercenary leader Yevgeny Prigozhin to halt his mutiny. The newspaper citing two sources close to Russia’s Defence Ministry, reported that Surovikin was arrested on Wednesday because he “chose” Wagner chief Yevgeny “Prigozhin’s side during the uprising”. It is also being reported that Surovikin was aware of Prigozhin’s coup plans, but did not alert the top brass in the Russian defence ministry. A Russian military blogger, Vladimir Romanov, also reported Surovikin’s arrest on Wednesday, the Moscow Times reported. Additionally, there are also reports of the arrest of the military “affiliates” of Surovikin who had been “accused of complicity in the rebellion”. Kremlin’s response During a press conference on Thursday, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov did not provide information about the reports of Surovikin’s detention and referred the matter to the defence ministry, which has yet to make a statement. Asked by reporters if the Kremlin could clarify the situation with Surovikin, Peskov said: "No, unfortunately not." "So, I recommend that you contact the defence ministry; this is its prerogative," he said, according to Reuters news agency. When a reporter asked if President Vladimir Putin still continued to trust Surovikin, Peskov said, "He is the supreme commander-in-chief and he works with the defence minister and with the chief of the General Staff." Also read | Vladimir Putin wanted to kill Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin but stopped. Here's what happened Questions about "structural units within the ministry," Peskov said, should be addressed to the defence ministry. When asked about Prigozhin's whereabouts, Peskov said he did not have information about the Wagner chief’s location at the current time. Also read | Nepali Gurkhas joining Wagner group while eyeing Russian citizenship: Report What will happen to Wagner's troops? On Monday, the Russian Defence Ministry said that preparations are underway for Wagner's troops, who numbered 25,000, to hand over their heavy weapons to the Russian military. Prigozhin had said those moves were being taken ahead of a July 1 deadline for his fighters to sign contracts to serve under the Russian military's command. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Russian general who went missing after Wagner’s uprising arrested: Report

Reports say Captain-General Aleksandr&nbsp;Dvornikov has been appointed by President Putin as the overall in charge of the Ukraine campaign.

The report comes as President Putin's forces have struggled to annex key areas in Ukraine including Kyiv&nbsp;amid fierce resistance. Reports claim Dvornikov is the mastermind behind the recent attack on Kramatorsk railway station&nbsp;in Ukraine in which at least 52 people had died including children.

Who is General Dvorknikov?

Dvorknikov has been the commander of the troops of the southern military district. He led the Russian task force in Syria in September 2015.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/slovakia-sends-russian-made-s-300-missile-system-to-ukraine-amid-russian-invasion-469656">Also Read:&nbsp;Slovakia sends Russian-made S-300 missile system to Ukraine</a>

The Russian general was dubbed the "butcher of Syria" during the campaign due to his ruthless tactics as Russia helped Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to crush the rebels.

Dvorknikov, 60, had earlier commanded the tank division and the motor rifle&nbsp;divisions. Dvorknikov was conferred the title "Hero of Russia"&nbsp;in 2016. The Russian general&nbsp;has reportedly been tasked to put a plan to annex Donbass from Ukraine.

Dvorknikov's&nbsp;career during Soviet era

Dvornikov was born in Ussuriysk in 1961 and started his military career in 1982 during the former Soviet regime. He was responsible for leading the combined forces in Syria during the bombing and air support campaign.

Watch:&nbsp;Johnson pledges more military aid for Ukraine

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Dvornikov headed the Southern military district which is responsible for Black Sea region and Crimea which was annexed by Russian forces in 2014.

Dvornikov was promoted to the rank of army general in June 2020 through a decree by President Putin.

(With inputs from Agencies) 
&nbsp;

Reports say Captain-General Aleksandr Dvornikov has been appointed by President Putin as the overall in charge of the Ukraine campaign. The report comes as President Putin's forces have struggled to annex key areas in Ukraine including Kyiv amid fierce resistance.

Reports say Captain-General Aleksandr Dvornikov has been appointed by President Putin as the overall in charge of the Ukraine campaign. The report comes as President Putin's forces have struggled to annex key areas in Ukraine including Kyiv amid fierce resistance. Reports claim Dvornikov is the mastermind behind the recent attack on Kramatorsk railway station in Ukraine in which at least 52 people had died including children. Who is General Dvorknikov? Dvorknikov has been the commander of the troops of the southern military district. He led the Russian task force in Syria in September 2015. Also Read: Slovakia sends Russian-made S-300 missile system to Ukraine The Russian general was dubbed the "butcher of Syria" during the campaign due to his ruthless tactics as Russia helped Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to crush the rebels. Dvorknikov, 60, had earlier commanded the tank division and the motor rifle divisions. Dvorknikov was conferred the title "Hero of Russia" in 2016. The Russian general has reportedly been tasked to put a plan to annex Donbass from Ukraine. Dvorknikov's career during Soviet era Dvornikov was born in Ussuriysk in 1961 and started his military career in 1982 during the former Soviet regime. He was responsible for leading the combined forces in Syria during the bombing and air support campaign. Watch: Johnson pledges more military aid for Ukraine Dvornikov headed the Southern military district which is responsible for Black Sea region and Crimea which was annexed by Russian forces in 2014. Dvornikov was promoted to the rank of army general in June 2020 through a decree by President Putin. (With inputs from Agencies)

Putin appoints new military commander in Ukraine: Who is General Aleksandr Dvornikov?

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Russian top general sacked for questioning defence ministry’s tactics in southern Ukraine

Top Russian general not seen in public since Wagner mutiny, lawmaker says 'he's resting'

Russian general who went missing after Wagner’s uprising arrested: Report

Putin appoints new military commander in Ukraine: Who is General Aleksandr Dvornikov?