Russian Major General Ivan Popov, former head of Russia's 58th Army, has been detained under suspicion of fraud, according to a statement from a law enforcement spokesperson relayed by Russian state news agency, Tass.
The arrest follows Popov's public criticism of the Russian military's operations in Ukraine.
Popov was relieved of his command over Russian forces in the annexed southern Zaporizhzhia region of Ukraine in July 2023. His removal came after he openly criticized the Russian Defense Ministry for what he perceived as inadequate support for the country's military personnel.
Popov's criticisms included a "lack of counter-battery combat," insufficient resources for artillery scouting, and the "mass deaths" of Russian soldiers. These remarks were made public through a recording shared on social media by Russian MP and former military commander Andrei Gurulyov.
In the recording, Popov revealed that his dismissal was ordered by then-Defense Minister, Sergei Shoigu, following his vocal concerns to the Russian military command.
This development comes as Newsweek continues its commitment to challenging conventional wisdom and seeking connections in the pursuit of common ground. The publication remains dedicated to providing insightful analysis and fostering understanding amidst complex global issues.
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