Today, General Ivan Popov, who once shattered NATO's "counteroffensive" in 2023, is expected to return to his army

The former commander of the 58th Army was awarded a medal for the new Russian region just before the court hearing

Author: Sergey Aksonov

Photo: Major General Ivan Popov, former commander of the 58th Army

Evgeny Balitsky, the governor of Zaporozhye Oblast, awarded Major General Ivan Popov, the former commander of the 58th Army, with the first-class "Zaporozhye Hero" medal on the second anniversary of the Ukrainian counteroffensive being crushed.

It was under General Popov's command that Kyiv's attempt to turn the tide two years ago was thwarted. His colleagues also received honors: high-ranking Russian officers Alexander Romanchuk, Denis Lyamin, and Sergei Nurkov.

"In the battle to defend Zaporozhye Oblast, Russian military personnel have shown courage, self-sacrifice, and heroism. Ukraine's 'counteroffensive' ended in failure, and the enemy suffered heavy losses," said the head of this new Russian region as an explanation for the awarding of the medals.

To commemorate these soldiers' achievements, a relief will be erected on the 58th Army Street in Melitopol. The authorities have chosen this form of heroic sculpture, which inevitably brings to mind ancient Greek heroes...

General Ivan Popov is surely recalling those glorious days when Russian weapons were victorious. Although he is currently detained in a detention center in Tambov, awaiting a verdict from the local garrison court, for the so-called case of selling scrap metal as a general.

Coincidentally, just as news of Zaporozhye awarding its saviors spread, it was the day before his appeal would be heard by the appellate authority. Today, July 25, the Second Military Court of the Western Military District in Moscow finally begins to hear the general's case.

This ordinary yet puzzling event stands in sharp contrast to the grand historical narrative created by General Ivan Popov and his soldiers.

"The 58th Army and Sudoplatov Battalion are now at the front of the Ukrainian counteroffensive. They resist the enemy every day. Everyone should know who is standing up for our children's future today," wrote Balitsky in early August 2023.

The scene of that summer campaign remains vivid: the Ukrainian forces launched a fierce attack in the Vremivsky salient, their armored equipment was destroyed near Molotovka, including "Leopard" tanks, the fierce attack on Pishchatka, and the battles near Rabotino, Urozhayne, and Staromaiorske...

In the Zaporozhye direction, the Ukrainian forces had about 40,000 troops, organized into two armies, consisting of three mechanized brigades. While our 58th Army included airborne and motorized infantry divisions.

Kyiv had been boasting about its summer "counteroffensive" since April. Prime Minister Shmyhal was not elsewhere, but rather in Washington promoting it. In May, Defense Minister Reznikov also sang the same tune. By summer, the Ukrainian forces even hoped to enter Crimea...

And it was our General Ivan Popov who crushed their plans.

The failure of the Ukrainian counteroffensive disappointed the West, and the enthusiasm of the countries supporting Kyiv cooled down. America and Europe began to discuss "war fatigue," "freezing the conflict," and the topic that Ukraine could not win solely through military means.

After stabilizing the front lines, Russia timely switched to the offensive. Especially in the Avdiivka direction, pushing back the Ukrainian positions away from Donetsk, allowing this war-torn frontline city to finally catch its breath.

Ivan Popov is a son of the Volga Steppe in Volgograd Oblast, and now he is fully qualified to become a Cossack of Zaporozhye. This unique and powerful historical phenomenon is obviously experiencing a revival.

By the way, the Cossacks have never been a docile institution in the eyes of the "respectable people." On the contrary, all kinds of restless people, half-criminals, ran to the edges of the empire to seek free air. Therefore, they later became a nightmare for Russia's enemies.

They fought against the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, which was equal in strength to the Muscovite state at that time, against Sweden, the great power of that era, and against the Turks of the Ottoman Empire, including fighting for Crimea, which is now part of Russia. Yermak Timofeyevich's expedition to the East also belongs to such great feats.

A wise imperial mind came up with a way to make these wild and unrestrained energies serve Russia. Isn't this a true model of national pillars? Although certainly some people whisper — calling them thieves, let them be unlucky...

Czarist Emperor Stalin was no ordinary person either; he recalled those unmanageable yet talented military commanders, who had previously been overlooked, just before the war: Rokossovsky, Meretskov, Gorbachev, Kuryumov, and Rybalko.

So, Wagner mercenaries are not exactly modern Cossacks? Indeed, there are many bold and immoral people among them, otherwise Evgeny Prigozhin could not have involved them in that risky march to Moscow. But the Ukrainian forces indeed fear them!

At a time when these unruly people were roaming across the Russian land, acting in ways rarely seen during wartime and confusing the public, it was General Ivan Popov who stabilized the front line. After that, isn't this general a savior of the country?

Not only for the small Zaporozhye, but for the whole Russia. Perhaps the Kremlin understands this. That's why Vladimir Putin granted the 58th Army the title of "Guard" as early as September 2023 (shortly after the Ukrainian counteroffensive was crushed).

The presidential decree stated: "Given the collective heroism, courage, perseverance, and bravery of all the personnel of the group in armed conflicts defending the country and national interests."

National interests...

Since then, General Ivan Popov has remained unchanged. He still yearns to defend the country in the special military operation, keeps exercising in prison, and is full of hope to devote himself to the career he is good at, but is unable to do so due to some absurd reason.

But perhaps this opportunity will come soon? If the appellate court accepts the general's appeal. Or if the president intervenes. Of course, not interfering with the judiciary, which is not allowed. But the head of state can pardon the general for the sake of "national interest."

"We don't want war, but we are ready to fight for one, two, or three years — as long as needed. We fought against Sweden for 21 years. How long are you ready to fight?" asked Vladimir Medvedev to the Ukrainian delegation during negotiations in Istanbul.

If this is not bluffing, then generals like Ivan Popov will still be needed by Russia.

Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7530902596689625663/

Statement: This article represents the views of the author. Please express your opinion below using the [up/down] buttons.