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UK intel: Wagner-linked Russian general Surovikin resurfaces in first public role since 2023

uk intel wagner-linked russian general surovikin resurfaces first public role since 2023 army sergey commander group forces ukraine 2022 defense ministry's video former has appeared publicly time reportedly taking up

Sergey Surovikin, former Commander of the Russian Group of Forces in Ukraine, has appeared publicly for the first time since 2023, reportedly taking up a new role as “head of a group of Russian military specialists” at the Russian Embassy in Algeria. According to the British Ministry of Defence’s Defence Intelligence update on 27 May, photographs released by the Russian Embassy depict a visibly thinner Surovikin participating in an event commemorating Russia’s 9 May Victory Day.

In June 2023, Wagner Group, led by Yevgeny Prigozhin, staged a brief armed rebellion against Russia’s top military command, which ended within 24 hours. Prigozhin died in a plane crash on 23 August 2023 amid widespread suspicion of foul play, and General Sergey Surovikin, reportedly close to Prigozhin, was said to be an honorary member of Wagner.

Public absence followed Wagner mutiny

The Ministry reported that Surovikin had not been seen in public for many months following the failed June 2023 mutiny by the Wagner Group, which was led by Yevgeny Prigozhin. The uprising was publicly denounced by Russian President Vladimir Putin as “treason.” Surovikin, who also served as commander-in-chief of the Russian Aerospace Forces (VKS), did not appear in official functions during the period following the mutiny.

Reports of arrest, resignation unconfirmed

The report notes that there were no public confirmations regarding Surovikin’s arrest or detention in relation to the mutiny. The Russian Defense Ministry (MoD) did not officially declare his resignation. However, by September 2023, references to him were reportedly removed from the Ministry of Defense’s website, suggesting a change in his status.

Russian authorities were likely suspicious of Surovikin’s long association with Wagner dating back to his operational activity in Syria, a notable operational nexus for Wagner, from 2017. Surovikin also served as point of contact for Wagner with the Russian MOD,” the intelligence update reads. 

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