Top Commander ‘General Armageddon’ Surovikin sacked by Putin

Gen. Sergei Surovikin, previously a key figure in Russia’s military operations in Ukraine, has been relieved of his position as chief of the air force, as reported by Russian state media. The announcement follows weeks of uncertainty surrounding his fate after a brief uprising led by Yevgeny Prigozhin and the Wagner mercenaries.

Since the Wagner mercenaries’ advance towards Moscow in June, Surovikin has not appeared in public. In a video released during the uprising, he appealed to Prigozhin’s forces to withdraw.

During his absence, Russian media speculated about Surovikin’s location, with some suggesting his possible detention due to his associations with Prigozhin.

According to RIA Novosti, a state news agency frequently aligned with the Kremlin’s stance, an unnamed source reported that Surovikin has been replaced by Col. Gen. Viktor Afzalov as the commander of the Russian Aerospace Forces. Afzalov currently serves as the head of the main staff of the air force.

Surovikin, nicknamed “General Armageddon,” was known for his involvement in Russia’s military campaign in Ukraine. His association with the Wagner mercenary group and its leader Prigozhin played a role in his downfall after the Wagner group attempted a rebellion in June to overthrow Russia’s military leadership.

Surovikin’s video appeal during the uprising, urging Prigozhin’s forces to halt their actions, was notable. In it, he emphasized unity and urged compliance with the elected president’s orders.

Surovikin’s time as commander of Moscow’s forces in Ukraine was marked by significant developments, including a retreat from the city of Kherson and a campaign to target Ukrainian energy infrastructure. Despite his replacement by Chief of Staff Valery Gerasimov, Surovikin maintained a prominent military role.

The Siberian-born general’s military career encompassed involvement in the second Chechen war and leadership in Russia’s intervention in Syria, earning him the moniker “Syrian butcher.” Human Rights Watch identified him in 2020 as one of the military leaders responsible for attacks on civilian areas in Syria.

While the Russian government has not commented on the report of Surovikin’s dismissal, his departure from the air force underscores the complex web of military and political dynamics within the country.