The Tambov Garrison Military Court has sentenced former commander of the 58th Army, General Major Ivan Popov, to five years in a general regime penal colony for fraud and abuse of office. This decision, reported by TASS on April 24, 2025, also resulted in Popov being stripped of his military rank and fined 800,000 rubles.
The court's ruling comes after the prosecution had sought a six-year sentence for Popov, who was accused of orchestrating a large-scale fraud involving the theft of over 1,700 tons of metal products valued at more than 130 million rubles. These materials were reportedly intended for humanitarian assistance in the Zaporozhye region, specifically for constructing defensive structures.
Popov, who has consistently denied any wrongdoing, claimed that the judicial proceedings against him are a form of revenge stemming from his criticisms of the Russian military leadership. He was dismissed from his post in the summer of 2023 after raising concerns about issues within the army and criticizing decisions made by the Ministry of Defense.
His defense attorney, Sergei Buinovsky, indicated that they plan to appeal the verdict. Buinovsky stated, "As long as there is no special military operation, he is denied it," referring to Popov's request to be sent back to the front lines.
Popov's legal troubles began in May 2024 when he was arrested and placed in a pre-trial detention center. After several hearings, he was transferred to house arrest in July 2024, only to be returned to detention in February 2025 due to alleged violations, including unauthorized travel from Tambov to Moscow.
In a dramatic turn, Popov addressed the court on April 22, 2025, pleading for a fair decision. He acknowledged having made mistakes in his life but insisted he had never broken the law. He stated, "I always remained faithful to my oath, my people, and the supreme commander," emphasizing his loyalty to Russia.
Popov's case has drawn considerable attention, particularly due to his previous role commanding the 58th Army, which faced significant challenges during the Ukrainian counter-offensive in the summer of 2023. His dismissal and subsequent legal issues have been interpreted by some as part of a broader crackdown on military officials who challenge the status quo.
In March 2025, Popov publicly requested to be sent to the front lines, asserting that he wished to serve his country during difficult times. This request, reportedly supported by the Ministry of Defense, indicated that upon his return to the front, he might command one of the newly formed Storm Z detachments, which include convicts and other personnel.
Despite his ongoing legal battles, Popov's appeal to President Vladimir Putin to return him to active duty has been acknowledged by the Kremlin, with Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov confirming that Putin was informed of the general's letter.
Popov's case is not isolated; it is part of a troubling trend involving high-ranking military officials facing legal scrutiny following their criticisms of military operations. Since the departure of former Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, several military leaders have been arrested or investigated, suggesting a potential climate of fear within the ranks.
As the situation unfolds, many are left wondering about the implications of Popov's case on the Russian military's internal dynamics and the broader context of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The outcome of his appeal could set a significant precedent for how dissent within the military is handled moving forward.
In summary, General Ivan Popov's sentencing reflects not only individual accountability for alleged fraud but also highlights the complexities and tensions within the Russian military establishment. His insistence on loyalty and a desire to return to duty amidst serious allegations raises questions about the intersection of military service, legal accountability, and political maneuvering in contemporary Russia.
