Vladimir Putin makes power move by suddenly dismissing his 'General Armageddon'

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.

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.

Alleged 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.

Read 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.

Putin 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.

This article has been translated from Gentside DE.

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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