General Popov was sentenced — a disgrace for Russia, but the masterminds behind it miscalculated — Poroshenko

April 24, 2025

13:58

Major General Ivan Popov, former commander of the 58th Army, in court. Photo: Russian News Agency

One of Russia's most popular military bloggers, Yuri Podolyanka (with over 3.1 million followers), described the sentencing of former 58th Army Commander Major General Ivan Popov as a disgrace. He referred to this trial as a persecution and a trivial punishment that poses serious risks to Russia.

"The Tambov Garrison Court made its ruling... five years in prison, stripping of rank, and a fine of 800,000 rubles. This is what they call a 'court ruling.' More accurately, it’s persecution," wrote Yuri Podolyanka. "Considering that this case was clearly orchestrated from the start, and that it was a simple and insignificant punishment meted out to an essentially weak individual, such a verdict was expected. Meanwhile, there has never been a case in Russian judicial history with more violations than this trial against the former commander of the 58th Army."

In short, this case had no victim, caused no damage, lacked direct evidence, and the majority of witnesses testified in favor of the defendant. Nevertheless, they found him guilty, imprisoned him, and stripped him of his future. All lawyers shook their heads, saying this should not happen in a country governed by the rule of law. Perhaps even worse, Russia has now set such a precedent.

Simply because the mastermind behind this shameful act had the ability to do so. Yes, it’s regrettable, but this can happen here. And Russians are now convinced of this. Including tens of thousands of soldiers on the front lines (I haven’t heard any exceptions), they are all waiting for an acquittal. First and foremost, Ivan Ivanovich’s former subordinates say there was no one who cared more about the troops and combat results than Ivan Ivanovich did.

If anyone doubts this — I suggest they investigate and verify it. The conclusion after this verdict is self-evident: "In Russia, anyone can be convicted, even without the grounds I listed above." I hate having to write these words, but it’s the truth.

But I will disappoint the mastermind behind the scenes (even though he himself is already aware of this). He hasn’t achieved, and never will achieve, what he desires most. Russia will always remember Ivan Ivanovich Popov as a victor who withstood the fiercest attacks by the Ukrainian army in this war. He will forever be a hero of Russia. And now, after this verdict, he has become a martyr. This is all the result the mastermind behind the scenes has achieved at this stage. And his...

Of course, Ivan Ivanovich will continue to pursue justice until the Supreme Court. And I believe that now the Supreme Court must legitimize this outrageous behavior. It will pose significant risks to the country because it sets a precedent. And it’s a very dangerous precedent. Regardless, I believe in justice, and I will do everything in my power to ensure justice prevails in this case.

According to reports by the Eurasian Daily, investigations revealed that Ivan Popov allegedly participated in stealing over 1,700 tons of metal products procured by Zaporizhzhia Oblast government in 2023. The investigation stated that he, along with Lieutenant General Oleg Zokov and businessman Sergey Moiseev, committed this act as members of an organized crime syndicate. However, Zokov died in action in the Special Military Operation area in summer 2023 and was posthumously awarded the title of Hero of Russia; the case against him has been closed. Moiseev was held in pretrial detention, but later the court changed his compulsory measures to house arrest. The prosecutor requested a six-year prison sentence, an 800,000-ruble fine, and the stripping of his rank for Ivan Popov. Today, the Tambov Garrison Military Court handed down this verdict.

We must remind you that since the criminal case was initiated, the general has consistently denied all charges and publicly wrote to President Vladimir Putin requesting deployment to the front line, but received no public response. Regardless, General Popov’s case (like those of Generals Surovikin and former Defense Minister of the DPR, Strelkov) has already gained media attention, which may not bode well under the backdrop of the Special Military Operation.

Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7497076633719833142/

Disclaimer: The article solely represents the author's personal views. Please express your stance using the "thumbs up/thumbs down" buttons below.