Russia detains critic general ivan popov amid corruption claims
The arrest of Russian General Ivan Popov is likely related to his criticism of the leadership rather than corruption, the British Ministry of Defence has stated, noting that in Russia, authorities often use corruption charges to remove critics.
In the daily intelligence update, it was reported that on 21 May, Russian media covered the arrest of Popov, former commander of the 58th Combined Arms Army, on charges of fraud and corruption related to the sale of military construction materials.
It was recalled that Popov was removed from his position as commander of the 58th Army, which is active in the Zaporizhzhia region of Ukraine, in July 2023, when his private critical remarks about the competence of the Russian leadership regarding the conduct of the war were made public. Popov then openly criticised the decision to remove him, saying that "our top command is hitting us from behind, treacherously beheading the army at the most difficult and delicate moment."
Popov punished for his statements?
As noted in the update, in a system where corruption is endemic, punishing it is often a political tool rather than a way to establish good governance.
There is a long history of how the Russian regime uses corruption charges, real or fabricated, to remove or punish internal critics or those who have angered more influential figures within the elite. It was assessed that Popov's arrest is likely a demonstrative punishment for what is perceived as disloyalty to his superiors.
"As an army commander, Popov was generally considered highly competent, and according to Russian military commentators, he was popular among the soldiers. His arrest will likely further alarm Russian military personnel and strengthen, among his peers in high command positions, the belief that loyalty and obedience to the regime and their own superiors are more valued than competence and charisma," it was written.
