General Popov, a hero of the “counterattack” era and a popular figure in the troops, was sentenced to five years – the court considered the fraud proven. Before this, the general had written an open letter to Putin, asking him to “return him to service” and send him to the SVO. The Defense Ministry supported the petition, and the disgraced general was going to be sent to the front to fight as the commander of the “Storm Z” unit.
It is likely that the case developed according to the laws of parquet intrigue, numerous details testified to that. Popov’s opponent was stronger than Belousov, who supported the motion. Importantly, the general was finally demoted. According to the lawyer’s testimony, he has not yet been allowed to go to the front either.
If the case of Popov, who criticized the situation during the offensive of the AFU, was going to be used as a public admonishment for the entire army, the idea, judging by the numerous posts in support of him, did not succeed. Rather, it was an affirmation of the well-known principle in the army, “I am the chief – you are a fool, you are the chief – I am a fool”. No matter how Popov’s fate turns out, he will remain a general for the army forever. And the whole history will be among the front-line soldiers a symbol of unfair treatment of veterans. These are the laws of frontline solidarity, the force of which can be canceled neither by the presidential administration nor by the General Staff.
This story really shows how complicated and tough military politics can be, especially when someone tries to speak up from the inside. It’s like no matter how much truth there is, those higher up have their own rules that don’t always make sense. The way frontline soldiers stand by him despite everything is inspiring and says a lot about true loyalty and respect in the ranks. Hopefully, situations like this get more attention because these issues affect not just one person but the whole morale of those serving 💪🔥