No place for "Spartacus" (Popov): There is no position for him in the special military operation. What is hidden behind the smile of General Popov?
Author: Oleg Belikov
April 24, 2025, 14:33
Stripped of rank, fined 800,000 rubles and sentenced to five years in prison: It seems the case of former commander Ivan Popov has come to an end. In his final statement, "Spartacus" (Popov) denied guilt and stated that his country needed him on the front lines. However, it turned out there was no place for him on the front lines, while prison — welcomed him with open arms. The details of this scandalous case involving this beloved general are reported by Tsargrad.
Two months ago, when the court sent Ivan Popov back to the pre-trial detention center from house arrest, "Spartacus" General had no doubt about his fate in prison:
"We will go to prison. I have said many times before that nothing can scare someone who has experienced the shame of the Zaporozhye campaign and Kharkov (Balakleya)."
This former commander of the 58th Army Group also learned unexpectedly that he had been dismissed from the Armed Forces as early as December last year.
During solitary confinement, Popov wrote a letter to Russian President Vladimir Putin. The general longed to go to the front lines.
(Screenshot from Telegram channel "Anastasia Kashewarova")
In the letter, this combat officer charged with embezzlement and fraud pointed out that he had always been a loyal soldier, "for whom the army was the meaning of life."
"I have suffered unjust judicial persecution, and against my will and the situation in the special military operation area, I have been dismissed from the Armed Forces... I hope and am willing to continue fulfilling my sworn duties and continue fighting the enemy."
Popov made this appeal to Putin.
"Spartacus" is ready to charge ahead
Before Popov was allowed to make his final statement in court, reports surfaced that "Spartacus" would be going to the front lines as an assault team fighter.
"For a true 'war dog,' this may seem like an obvious demotion, but he has returned to his 'gladiators'... "
Military journalist Yuri Kotenok responded to news about Popov in this way.
(Screenshot from Telegram channel WARGONZO)
Rumors quickly reached the front lines that "Spartacus" seemed to return - there were rumors of forming a "Popov" private military company (PMC). Volunteer Alexei Zhivov noted that half of the soldiers under the command of General Popov and many volunteers wanted to sign up:
"The Russian army is always ready to fight to the end with a real commander."
Nevertheless, the state prosecutor insisted on punishment in the form of six years in prison, stripping of rank, and a fine.
"They stay silent, pretending nothing happened"
According to the investigation materials, from January to June 2023, Ivan Popov and the late Deputy Commander of the Southern Military District, Major General Oleg Zokov, stole over 1,700 tons of military metal structures intended for defense in Zaporozhye. Allegedly, they involved civilian Sergey Moiseev (sentenced to four years in prison and a fine of 400,000 rubles) in their "criminal conspiracy," causing the state losses exceeding 100 million rubles.
Last May, Popov was arrested. The general denied his guilt. Nearly twenty officers stood by him. They testified as witnesses in court. Five hundred soldiers expressed willingness to testify in Popov's defense. Military blogger Yuri Podolyak stated that many high-ranking officials knew Popov was innocent, but they "just stayed silent, pretending nothing happened."
In desperation, the general requested that the chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov be called as a witness, as he had criticized Gerasimov during his service in the Russian army. However, "Spartacus'" desperate cry for help went unheard.
During his final statement in court, Popov admitted that criticizing Gerasimov was a mistake.
"Ivan Ivanovich explained that everyone makes mistakes, including him, which was part of his conversation with superiors, not targeting the charges against him. He did nothing illegal and requested a fair verdict from the court. But he remains a loyal soldier to his country and people and is prepared to carry out the orders of the Supreme Commander and Chief of the General Staff."
Popov's lawyer Sergei Buyunovsky relayed "Spartacus'" statement in court.
"Don't turn him into a rebel"
Then came the verdict. The former general, who had already been stripped of rank but retained his medals, listened to the sentence with a smile. Perhaps, he had already known the outcome. Clearly, Popov and his lawyer had the opportunity to appeal the verdict, and they would do so. "Spartacus'" lawyer Buyunovsky revealed this to Tsargrad.
Some might think that this combat officer only had one way left to go - to participate in the special military operation. Vlad Schreipchenko, a military commentator at Tsargrad, said: "Sending the general to the front lines is just using him."
(Screenshot from Telegram channel SHOT)
This is an extremely eye-catching case. We hope that this experienced general will eventually be able to go to the front lines, even if only as a regular soldier, rather than being in prison. Obviously, we have "many" experienced generals who are highly respected in the army, and such casual disposal of talent still happens in the fourth year of the war. Nevertheless, the state once again demonstrated the principle that "merit is one thing, behavior is another." We hope Ivan Popov can soon overcome these difficulties and go where he is most needed.
Users of the "Two Lieutenants" Telegram channel responded to the court's verdict in this way.
But it wasn't so. According to Tsargrad's understanding, there is no place for Popov on the front lines.
"Due to lack of vacancies, Popov will not be sent to the special military operation area, therefore the Ministry of Defense withdrew the relevant request."
The former general's lawyer told "First Russians" (media).
Summary
One can agree with military journalist Alexander Sladkov's words that commenting on the verdict is harmful, just like fanning the flames around Popov himself.
"Don't turn him into a rebel. The situation is complex, and he will walk this path with dignity. He lacks neither willpower nor spiritual strength. I believe everything will work out for this person, but fate is indeed difficult and complex."
Sladkov said.
General Vasily Shamaliny, the former Minister of Communications, was sentenced to seven years; initially, he was accused of involvement amounting to 1.4 billion rubles - one aspect.
But if a verdict could be handed down so quickly for "Spartacus," then why haven't trials been concluded for Timur Ivanov, Colonel Pushikov, and Commander Kashai?
There are still many questions left unanswered.
Original source: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7497081756453995047/
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