General Sergei Surovikin has been at war with the Russians for longer than Russia has existed in its present form. In 1991, in the last days of the Soviet Union, he is said to have ordered the opening of fire on pro-democracy protesters in Moscow. Three people died.
Surovikin was in Afghanistan in the 1980s, in Chechnya in the early 2000s, and also in Syria. There he is said to have been involved in chemical weapons attacks on civilians who were helping the Syrian government regain control of the country. Human Rights Watch said in 2020 he was among military leaders who may be responsible for human rights abuses in Syria.
And now Ukraine. The 55-year-old Surovikin, also known as “General Armageddon,” is to command all Russian troops involved in the “military special operation,” as the war of aggression in Russia is called.
For Vladimir Putin, in addition to military experience, it is above all the political signal that played a role in the selection of Surovikin. Because of the numerous setbacks for the Russian troops and the resulting criticism in their own country, hardliners are currently driving the Russian president in front of him. With Surovikin, Putin could now put an end to this.
Military analyst Forbes McKenzie, head of McKenzie Intelligence, told Sky News the main reason for his appointment was Surovikin’s “brand”. “Putin’s regime has repeatedly thought aloud about nuclear options in recent weeks. “They have already signaled their intention to do so, but they would need commanders with the capability to execute that intention.” A commander like General Surovikin. “This is a man who has used chemical weapons in recent history, so that shows his skills.”
According to experts, the Russian armed forces are currently primarily plagued by the fact that infantry, artillery and air force are not coordinated. Although the general has specialized in infantry for much of his career, he has also commanded the Russian Air Force in the past.
“Surovikin knows how to fight with bombers and missiles,” Kyrylo O. Budanov, head of Ukraine’s military intelligence agency, said back in June. The rocket attacks on Kyiv could already bear Surovikin’s handwriting. He has long been the commander of the southern troops in Ukraine.
“He’s known to be a fairly ruthless commander who is short with subordinates and known for his temper,” Michael Kofman, director of Russian studies at C.N.A., an American defense research institute, told the New York Times. According to the military expert, Surovikin has long been known for its corruption and brutality.
There may also be a first indication that Putin’s political calculations have paid off with the appointment. There was rare public praise for the new commander from within the controversial Wagner mercenary group. “Surovikin is the most competent commander in the Russian army,” Wagner founder Yevgeny Prigozhin said in a statement. Putin may have been able to silence his critics at first. At least for now.
