This never ever happens in Russia. Open defiance is not tolerated, at least not in the Kremlin. To go public like this suggests something major is happening inside Russia among their military. Unlike Russian defence minister, Sergei Shoigu, and the head of Russia's armed forces, Gen Valery Gerasimov, Gen Popov is highly respected. This does not bode well for Russia.
Source: BBC
A top Russian general says he has been removed from his post in Ukraine after telling military chiefs the truth about the dire situation on the front line.
Maj Gen Ivan Popov was the commander of the 58th Army, which has been fighting in the southern Zaporizhzhia region.
In a voice message, Maj Gen Popov said he raised questions about high casualty rate and lack of artillery support.
"It was necessary either to keep quiet and be a coward or to say it the way it is," he said.
"I had no right to lie in the name of you, in the name of my fallen comrades in arms, so I outlined all the problems which exist."
The voice message was posted to telegram by Russian MP Andrei Gurulyov, who is a former military commander and frequent commentator on state TV. It is unclear when the message was recorded.
Among the issues Maj Gen Popov said he highlighted to his superiors were the lack of proper counter battery systems to help repel Ukrainian artillery attacks, as well as a lack of military intelligence.
The commander said his dismissal was demanded by senior commanders - who he accused of treason - and approved by the Russian defence minister, Sergei Shoigu.
