Russian War Leaders Increasingly Criticized By Subordinates

According to NATO intelligence, the firing of Major General Ivan Popov is indicative of a widening problem for Russia's Ukraine war effort as more officers are becoming openly critical of senior Russian military leadership.

While this does not yet appear to be a threat to the Kremlin and to Putin, emphasis is on the word 'yet.' Officers and soldiers appear to have been emboldened by the Wagner mutiny and Popov's criticisms are likely representative of much broader dissatisfaction. JL

The Guardian reports:

Russia’s military leadership is facing an increasing problem in being directly criticised by subordinates, according to the UK Ministry of Defence. Maj Gen Ivan Popov was dismissed after being scathing of the military leadership in a leaked video intended for his troops. Popov’s comments draw attention to serious disaffection many officers harbor towards the senior military leadership. The complaints echo those made by Wagner Group owner Yevgeny Prigozhin prior to his June 2023 mutiny.

Russia’s military leadership is likely to face an increasing problem in being directly criticised by subordinates, according to the UK Ministry of Defence.

In its latest intelligence update, the ministry cited the sacking of Russia’s Maj Gen Ivan Popov, who was dismissed after being scathing of the military leadership in a leaked video intended for his troops.

Popov, who commanded the 58th Combined Arms army, which is fighting on the front in Ukraine near Zaporizhzhia, said the Russian defence ministry leadership was “hitting us from the rear, viciously beheading the army at the most difficult and intense moment”.

The UK ministry said Russia had routinely sacked commanders since the start of the invasion of Ukraine but that Popov’s removal was notable because “he was apparently dismissed for voicing concerns rather than for any alleged poor performance”.

The ministry tweeted:

Popov’s comments draw attention to serious disaffection many officers likely harbour towards the senior military leadership. The complaints largely echo those made by Wagner Group owner Yevgeny Prigozhin prior to his June 2023 mutiny.

Direct criticism from subordinates is likely to become an increasing problem for defence minister Sergei Shoigu and chief of the general staff General Gerasimov.