In a surprising turn of events, General-Major Ivan Popov, the former commander of the 58th Army of Russia, is set to return to the front lines despite facing serious criminal charges. Accused of large-scale fraud, Popov's journey back into military service comes after he appealed directly to President Vladimir Putin, requesting reinstatement. The Russian Ministry of Defense has since supported his request, allowing him to sign a contract to participate in hostilities in Ukraine.
Popov's legal troubles began in May 2024 when he was arrested for allegedly selling over 1,700 tons of metal products intended for military fortifications in the Zaporozhye region, resulting in damages estimated at over 100 million rubles. His involvement in the scheme reportedly included collusion with an officer from the Southern Military District and a businessman from Krasnodar. The charges against him included fraud and abuse of office, with the military prosecution seeking a six-year prison sentence and the revocation of his military rank.
In March 2025, Popov wrote an open letter to President Putin, expressing his desire to return to active duty. He described himself as a "faithful soldier" and stated that the army was the meaning of his life. In his letter, Popov lamented the unfair judicial persecution he faced and expressed confusion about his situation, stating, "I have been subjected to unjust judicial persecution and, against my will, have been dismissed from the ranks of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation." He emphasized his long-standing commitment to military service and his eagerness to continue fighting against the enemy.
Following his appeal, the Ministry of Defense decided to send Popov to the front as the commander of one of the infamous Storm Z detachments, which are primarily composed of former convicts. These units have garnered a notorious reputation, with reports of severe discipline and allegations of human rights abuses, including torture. Despite the controversies surrounding these units, military bloggers and pro-war commentators have praised the decision to reinstate Popov, seeing it as a sign of positive change in military leadership.
Popov's rise through the military ranks has been notable. Born in 1975 in a small village in the Volgograd region, he initially aimed to follow in his father's footsteps as a border guard but instead graduated from the Moscow Higher Command School. He served with distinction in various conflicts, including the Second Chechen War and the 2008 Russian-Georgian War, eventually commanding the 58th Combined Arms Army during the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
His dismissal in July 2023 followed a period of public criticism regarding military supply issues and a controversial audio message where he referred to his subordinates as "gladiators" and discussed the dire state of military resources. Popov's candid remarks about the lack of counter-battery capabilities and the resultant casualties led to his removal from command.
After a brief period under house arrest, Popov was returned to pre-trial detention in February 2025 for allegedly violating the terms of his release. Reports indicated that he traveled to Moscow without permission, which prompted the authorities to revoke his house arrest. As his legal battles continued, his supporters rallied around him, arguing that he was being unfairly targeted due to his honesty and previous criticisms of military leadership.
Popov's case has drawn attention not only for the serious allegations against him but also for the broader implications it has on military accountability within the Russian Armed Forces. With at least 48 high-ranking officers reportedly dismissed since the onset of the Ukraine conflict, Popov's situation highlights the precarious position of military leaders who dare to speak out against systemic issues.
As he prepares to lead a Storm Z unit into battle, the military community watches closely. Supporters view his return as a potential turning point, while critics remain wary of the implications of sending an officer with such serious allegations back into combat. Popov's future, as well as the fate of those under his command, remains uncertain as the conflict in Ukraine continues to evolve.
In the meantime, the Ministry of Defense's decision to send Popov back to the front lines raises questions about the nature of accountability and justice within the ranks of the Russian military. As the situation develops, many are left wondering what this means for the future of military leadership in Russia and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
