A photo posted online appears to show a Russian general who has not been seen in public since a mutiny by the Wagner mercenary group in June.
Sergei Surovkin, who is said to have been close, to Yevgeny Prigozhin, the boss of Wagner and who tragically died in a plane crash month is reportedly under investigation for involvement in the rebellion.
However a recent photo has surfaced on media claiming to show a Russian commander stationed in Ukraine.
“General Sergei Surovkin is currently missing. He is safely at home in Moscow with his family. This photo was taken today ” stated Ksenia Sobchak, a known Russian media personality alongside the photo on Telegram on Monday.
It should be noted that the authenticity of the footage, which depicts a man wearing sunglasses walking hand, in hand with a woman resembling General Surovkins wife Anna has not been confirmed by the BBC.
Russian journalist Alexey Venediktov exclusively shared on Telegram; “General Surovik is enjoying some time off with his family at home. If needed he can reach out to the Defense Ministry.”
- Who is hard-line commander Surovikin?
- Wagner boss Prigozhin’s years of living dangerously
On the 23rd and 24th of June the mercenaries, under Wagners command briefly staged a rebellion with some contemplating a march towards Moscow.
However on the 23rd of August a tragic accident occurred near Moscow that resulted in the loss of lives for Prigozhin and nine others. This incident sparked a flurry of rumors and theories. Following their uprising many had regarded Wagners leader as someone with chance of survival.
The last known public sighting of Gen Surovikin was in a video, during the rebellion where he appealed to Wagner troops to cease their actions.
Days after, media outlets claimed he had been detained, though his exact location remains unconfirmed by official sources.
The general took command of the Russian forces in Ukraine in October but was relieved of his duties three months thereafter.
During the Russian campaigns in Syria, his ruthless tactics earned him the ominous moniker “General Armageddon”.
