Russia’s Vladimir Putin has appointed Sergei Surovikin nicknamed ‘General Armageddon’, known for being ‘ruthless’, as commander of the Ukraine war. While leading a military expedition in Syria, he reportedly ordered the bombardment that destroyed much of Aleppo. He reportedly ordered a shootout of pro-democracy protesters in Russia and a Colonel under him killed himself after he reprimanded him. Read to know all about him.
Who is General Armageddon?
Sergei Surovikin, born in Novosibirsk, a Siberian city in 1966 was recently named the commander of Russia’s southern military group in the conflict. Nicknamed General Armageddon, he was appointed by President Putin for leading war efforts in Ukraine. The move was following several military setbacks and growing dissatisfaction over Ukraine’s victory. The appointment was after the dismissal of two senior Russian military commanders after Kyiv reclaimed territory in the south and northeast.
Currently, Russia is reshuffling forces in an attempt to cut losses caused by an unexpectedly ferocious Ukrainian offense. Some believe Surovikin’s new appointment translates to Russia’s military focus in a single area.
Surovikin was given the title of Hero of Russia and a medal in recognition of his work in Syria in 2017 as the commander of the Russian Aerospace Forces,
In Aleppo, Syria, where Russia intervened on Bashar’s behalf, the general was accused of ordering a brutal bombardment that obliterated much of the city. In a report released in October 2020, Human Rights Watch identified him as one of the commanders “who may bear command responsibility for violations” during the offensive in the Syrian province of Idlib in 2019–2020.
More on Sergei Surovikin
The recent strikes in Ukraine, according to a report by the Guardian, were a page out of the general’s “Syrian playbook,” with a barrage of rocket attacks on civilian targets all over the country, including a crucial intersection near a university and a playground in a park.
He is regarded as wholly “ruthless” in the Russian military, according to a report (PDF) by the Jamestown Foundation, a US think tank for defense policy.
“I am not surprised to see what happened this morning in Kyiv. Surovikin is absolutely ruthless, with little regard for human life. I am afraid his hands will be completely covered in Ukrainian blood,” said a former defense ministry official who has worked with Surovikin.
A 2004 Russian media report reveals that a colonel serving under him committed suicide in 2004. Moreover, it was after receiving a harsh reprimand from him.
Surovikin became well-known during the 1991 Soviet hardliners’ coup attempt when he commanded a rifle division that broke through the barricades set up by pro-democracy protesters. Three men were killed in the altercation, one of whom was crushed.
His coworkers have given him the nickname “General Armageddon” due to his hardline and unconventional approach to war.