Reports indicate that Gen Sergei Surovikin, a prominent military figure in Russia, has apparently been removed from his position as Air Force chief following weeks of speculation surrounding his absence from the public eye.

The Ria Novosti agency cited an anonymous source stating that he has been relieved of his duties.

For some time, Gen Surovikin was overseeing Russia's extensive invasion of Ukraine, but his whereabouts became unknown after the Wagner mutiny in June. Experts speculate that his removal might be linked to the failed rebellion.

One Russian report mentioned that he was dismissed due to a job transfer and is currently on a short vacation.

Gen Viktor Afzalov, the Chief of Staff of the Air Force, has taken over his role as head of aerospace forces. Gen Surovikin's last appearance was in a video addressing Wagner mercenaries, urging them to return to base during the events of June 24.

However, his performance in the video was likened to a hostage-style presentation. He had been associated with Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin while disliking other figures in the defense hierarchy.

After the June revolt, rumors circulated among Russian military bloggers that Gen Surovikin had been detained for questioning. Officials denied he was in pre-trial detention, and a retired general described him as merely "resting" and unavailable.

Gen Surovikin, aged 56, earned the moniker "General Armageddon" due to his harsh tactics in Syria.

He led Russian forces and later the air force, causing extensive damage to Aleppo and targeting civilians in Idlib province.

Despite lacking aviation experience, he became the first army officer to head Russia's aerospace forces. His significant promotion occurred in October 2022, when he was appointed commander of Russian forces in Ukraine during the declining full-scale invasion.

His three months in charge were not a success. On the day he was appointed, the bridge over the Kerch Strait was attacked, and weeks later he ordered a retreat from the city of Kherson. Within three months he was replaced by Russian chief of staff Valery Gerasimov, becoming one of his deputies.

Russia's military leaders have had little to boast about since President Vladimir Putin sent in the troops in February 2022 and many of the top brass have been moved to different posts.

Before Gen Surovikin was put in charge of the operation, the war effort was run by Col-Gen Gennady Zhidko. He died in Moscow last week after what officials said was a "lengthy illness".

Really

That is wonderful.

Good for him