Vladimir Putin makes power move by suddenly dismissing his 'General Armageddon'
More under this adThe war in Ukraine has dealt Russian President Vladimir Putin a number of setbacks. Now he has apparently removed the commander-in-chief of his units in Ukraine, some suspect this to be a clear message from the Kremlin chief.
Since the start of the war in Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin has suffered a number of setbacks. If you take a look at his own ranks, the Wagner coup - albeit a failed one - caused uncertainty, but not more so than Putin's reaction to it. He faced further humiliation as recent reports suggested the Kremlin could be looking to replace him.
Discover our latest podcast
However, reports are now circulating of a recent move that seems intended to send a clear signal. Both Ukrainian media and Russian military blogs reported on Tuesday 22 August, citing a presidential decree, that Russian General Sergei Surovikin - also known as 'General Armageddon' - has been relieved of his duties.
More under this adMore under this adAlleged proximity to Prigozhin
According to t-online, the Merkur and the Berliner Zeitung, Surovikin is said to have been relieved of his office as head of the Russian aerospace forces, but is still at the disposal of the Russian Ministry of Defense.
The 56-year-old has so far been important to Putin mainly in the Ukraine war - but his removal as commander-in-chief of Russia's air and space forces could be a clear sign from Putin. Even before the attempted coup by the Wagner troops, Surovikin had emerged as a sympathiser with their chief, Yevgeny Prigozhin.
More under this adMore under this adRead more:Vladimir Putin's education minister has terrifying plans to brainwash 17-year-olds, here's how
Deposition after months of silence
Although Surovikin publicly spoke out against Prigozhin's actions after the failed uprising of the Wagner Group, he did not appear in public at all afterwards. Several observers have suggested that Surovikin was silenced - or indeed killed.
More under this adMore under this adPutin has made some extreme moves against those that disrespect him before - read here about the famous couple he allegedly broke up for this very reason - but killing off such a public figure would be taking things to the next level.
That he is now said to have been officially deposed is therefore a bit suspicious and not that surprising. With this latest move, Putin is sending a message by making it crystal clear that there will be no leniency when it comes to sympathising with Prigozhin leaders.
More under this adMore under this adThis article has been translated from Gentside DE.
Read more:
⋙ Vladimir Putin's former ally and top Russian general Gennady Zhidko has passed away at 57
⋙ Vladimir Putin's frightening new tactic is a warning to pro-Ukraine countries
Sources used:
t-online: 'General Armageddon' muss gehen: Damit sendet Putin ein Signal
Merkur: Aus für 'General Armageddon': Putin entlässt ranghohen General Surowikin
Berliner Zeitung: Putin feuert 'General Armageddon': Sergej Surowikin abgesetzt