Ivan Popov Returns to Ukraine Front
Popov's assignment to lead Storm Z is a high-risk move, with the unit's survival rate at 40%, and is seen as part of Putin's "redemption system" for disgraced officials, sparking debate about the Kremlin's strategy in Ukraine.
Major General Ivan Popov, a Russian general who was ousted two years ago for criticizing the Defense Ministry, is returning to the front lines in Ukraine, leading a battalion of ex-prisoners known as Storm Z. Popov was previously the commander of the 58th Army in southern Ukraine before his removal and subsequent arrest on suspicion of fraud. Despite facing a six-year prison sentence, Popov's supporters continued to advocate for him, and he has now been granted the opportunity to return to the battlefield.
Popov's return to the front lines comes after he wrote an open letter to President Vladimir Putin, describing Putin as his "moral guide and role model" and appealing to be allowed to return to combat. The Kremlin has granted his wish, but with the condition that he will lead Storm Z, a unit notorious for its high casualty rates, with a survival rate of only 40%. This assignment has been viewed by some as a "death sentence" due to the Russian military command's tendency to use Storm Z units in high-risk combat situations.
The Kremlin's decision to support the use of prisoners in combat, with Putin promising to grant veteran status to members of Storm Z, has been seen as a key factor in Popov's return to the front lines. This move is part of a broader "redemption system" set up by Putin, where disgraced officials and commanders can regain favor by pleading guilty and volunteering to fight in Ukraine. Popov's case is a notable example of this system in action, as he seeks to redeem himself and regain his position within the Russian military.
As Popov leads Storm Z into combat, the outcomes are uncertain, given the unit's history of high casualties. The decision to assign Popov to this unit has sparked debate, with some viewing it as a strategic move by the Kremlin to utilize experienced commanders in critical roles, while others see it as a punitive measure. Regardless, Popov's return to the front lines marks a significant development in the conflict in Ukraine and the Russian military's approach to personnel management.