Russia fires Air Force Chief who vanished during Wagner mutiny.

Russia Removes “General Armageddon” ​as Head of Air Force

Russia has reportedly removed Sergei Surovikin, also known as⁤ “General Armageddon,” from his position as head ‍of the air force. This comes after he disappeared during a Wagner mercenary mutiny against top army officials, according to two Russian news outlets.

Surovikin, who received Russia’s top military award, is the highest-ranking military figure to lose his job due‌ to the mutiny that took place from June‌ 23-34. President Vladimir Putin even stated that ⁣the mutiny had​ the potential to push ‌Russia into civil war.

While Surovikin has not been publicly fired, reports suggest that he has been relieved of his post. Colonel-General Viktor Afzalov, head of the main staff‌ of the Air Force, is‌ temporarily acting as commander-in-chief of the Air Force.

It is believed that Surovikin’s removal and the appointment of an⁢ acting successor indicate that the authorities found fault ⁣with his⁢ behavior during the⁢ revolt. This move seems to be part of⁢ an effort to distance anyone considered too ​close to Wagner.

Uncertain Allegiances

U.S. officials previously mentioned that Surovikin had shown support ‌for Yevgeny Prigozhin, the leader of Wagner. However, Western ⁣intelligence agencies cannot confirm whether he actively⁤ assisted the ⁤rebellion.

Given​ Surovikin’s reputation for competence, some Western military experts fear that his removal from ⁢battlefield operations could ‍negatively impact Russia’s campaign ​in Ukraine, which it refers to as⁣ “a special military operation.”

A Mysterious Disappearance

Surovikin’s last public appearance was on June 24, the final day of the mutiny. In a carefully stage-managed video, ⁤he appeared ​visibly strained, without insignia, and holding an automatic ⁣weapon. He ⁣urged Prigozhin to abandon his⁤ march⁤ on Moscow.

Since the mutiny, there have been reports that Surovikin, who was previously praised by Prigozhin, is under investigation​ for possible involvement and is currently under house arrest.

Surovikin earned the⁤ nickname “General Armageddon” for his ruthless bombing​ tactics during Russia’s‌ military intervention in Syria. He was initially in charge of Russian military operations in Ukraine but was later replaced by General Valery Gerasimov.

Afzalov, who was previously Surovikin’s deputy, has been⁤ chief of staff‍ of the Aerospace ⁢Forces for at least four years. Ukrainian​ authorities claim that‌ he played ‌a direct role in planning and executing‌ Russia’s onslaught ‌against Ukraine.

During Surovikin’s absence, Afzalov⁢ was seen ‌on television briefing ‍Gerasimov last month.

Reuters could not independently⁣ verify the‍ reports, and there has been no official confirmation at this time.

(Reporting by Andrew Osborn; Editing by ‍Mark Trevelyan and Bernadette Baum)