Ivan Popov, a Russian general known for his loyalty to nationalism and outspoken criticism of the Russian military command, is one of the most controversial figures of the war in Ukraine. After being arrested on corruption charges, he has sought to avoid prison and return to the front as commander of a penal battalion known as “Storm Z” – a unit made up of prisoners used as cannon fodder.
This action is seen by many as an attempt to preserve personal honor and legend, writes A2 CNN. But for others, it is the tragic end of a career ignited by patriotic ideals and sunk by defiance of the Kremlin.
Popov’s story has the elements of a classic Russian novel: the epic of a soldier born on a farm near Stalingrad who rises through battles in Chechnya and Georgia, and then in Ukraine. Known by the nickname “Spartak,” he symbolized the most ardent supporters of the “Special Military Operation.” Within five years, he rose from brigade commander to head of an elite corps, following in the footsteps of Gerasimov — the current chief of the general staff and his greatest rival.
Popov became a prominent figure among hardline nationalists. He is said to have secretly aided the Wagner group during the battle for Bakhmut, distributing ammunition without the approval of the high command. He gained fame when he stopped part of the Ukrainian counteroffensive in the spring of 2023. But this did not last: on July 11, just after Prigozhin’s failed rebellion, he was dismissed and sent to Syria, to an insignificant position.
Instead of remaining silent, Popov sent a voice message through a Duma deputy, accusing military leaders of “treason” and a lack of preparation that had led to heavy losses. These statements were seen as a direct challenge to Shoigu and Gerasimov and as an indication of his possible links to Wagner rebels.
After the political storm calmed down, on May 17, 2024, Popov was arrested on charges of embezzling metal equipment that was supposed to be used for fortifications in Zaporizhia, a typical case of corruption in the Russian army, but which in this case was treated with maximum seriousness, showing that the real charge was political: defiance of the "new Tsar".
Popov did not ask for mercy. During the trial, he sought to implement a new rule: to serve out his sentence by fighting in the Storm Z penal units. Ironically, he himself had created one in 2023, called the “Gladiators.” These units are made up of convicts who are sent on impossible missions and where survival is almost zero.
He publicly requested to be entrusted with the command of such a low-ranking battalion, writing a letter directly to Putin, A2 CNN reports. The letter was a mix of praise and humility: "You have always been my moral guide... you taught me what it means to have a cold mind, a warm heart, and clean hands."
But after the praise, he returns to the figure of the honest general: "I served with honor and loyalty, I was unjustly punished. At this critical moment for Russia, my country is on the front line."
This attempt to become a military martyr has been embraced by patriotic bloggers and poets, but many believe the Kremlin will not allow him to die a hero. Instead, he could end up in a distant, forgotten cell — an ignominious end for a general who dreamed of becoming a legend. (A2 Televizion)
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