Head Of Russia's Aerospace Forces, General Surovikin, Relieved Of His Duties
Head of Russia's aerospace forces, General Surovikin, relieved of his duties, according to reports from prominent Russian journalist Alexei Venediktov and various media outlets. General Sergei Surovikin previously commanded Moscow's military efforts in Ukraine.
According to Venediktov, Surovikin's removal is backed by an official decree, and he is expected to continue working within the defense ministry despite this change.
While the decree itself has not been officially released, numerous nationalist Russian military blogs have also confirmed the replacement of Surovikin. Serving as commander-in-chief of Russian units in Ukraine between October 2022 and January 2023, Surovikin notably ordered the withdrawal of Russian forces from the southern Ukrainian city of Kherson in November 2022.
Although Venediktov's report lacked official confirmation, the Russian-language RBC media outlet also published an article on Tuesday, citing its own sources, which stated that Surovikin's dismissal had indeed taken place.
“„Army General Sergei Surovikin has been relieved of his post in connection with the transition to another job and is at the disposal of (the Ministry of Defence).- RBC
COPYRIGHT_BP: Published on https://bingepost.com/head-of-russias-aerospace-forces-general-surovikin-relieved-of-his-duties/ by Hilda Workman on 2023-08-24T00:47:29.374Z
According to an insider from the publication, Surovikin is presently on a temporary leave. In a report on Wednesday, the Russian state news agency RIA Novosti revealed that Surovikin's position had been filled by a commander from the Russian Air Force.
“„Ex-chief of the Russian Air and Space Forces Sergei Surovikin has now been relieved of his post, while Colonel-General Viktor Afzalov, head of the Main Staff of the Air Force, is temporarily acting as commander-in-chief of the Air Force.- RIA Novosti
Following the brief mutiny in June by the Wagner mercenary group and its leader, Yevgeny Prigozhin, against Russia's defense establishment, Surovikin has not made any public appearances.
Surovikin held a significant role as a key ally of Prigozhin within the regular Russian army, and their alliance was crucial in the power struggle against Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and Chief of General Staff Valery Gerasimov.
Amidst the mutiny, Surovikin was captured in a video where he urged Prigozhin to cease the uprising. Yet, subsequent to the Wagner incident, both Russian and international news sources indicated that an investigation was underway to determine if Surovikin had any involvement in the rebellion.
According to The Institute for the Study of War (ISW), a think tank in Washington, DC, Russian military bloggers asserted on Tuesday that the recent developments regarding Surovikin's situation were not unexpected, nor novel.
"Surovikin’s alleged dismissal is not new and does not change anything because Russian authorities removed Surovikin from power immediately after Prigozhin’s June 24 rebellion," the bloggers said, according to ISW.
Surovikin gained the moniker 'General Armageddon' for his role in Russia's military engagement in Syria's civil conflict. In October, he assumed command of Russian military efforts in Ukraine; however, by January, his responsibilities shifted as Gerasimov took over the lead role and Surovikin assumed the position of deputy.
Conclusion
In October, he was entrusted with overseeing Russian military operations in Ukraine. However, in January, that responsibility was transferred to Gerasimov, with Surovikin assuming the role of his deputy.
About The Authors
Hilda Workman - Hilda Workman is a licensed financial advisor with years of expertise in the industry. She has assisted a range of clients, from sole proprietors to large corporations, in reaching their financial objectives. She is informed about many different financial subjects, including tax preparation, investment planning and also in fashion. She believes that the best things are those that are imperfect.