A major development unfolded in Moscow as a court ordered house arrest for Major General Ivan Popov, who is facing fraud charges. This decision marks a significant shift from a previous ruling where the court had denied Popov's release from jail. The 235th Garrison Military Court mandated that Popov be placed under house arrest until at least October 11.
Popov, the former commander of the 58th Guards Combined Arms Army, was apprehended in May along with several high-ranking military officials, including former Deputy Defense Minister Timur Ivanov. While some officials have been accused of bribery, Popov specifically faces charges of engaging in large-scale fraud.
The context surrounding these legal proceedings is intertwined with political and military dynamics. President Vladimir Putin dismissed then-Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu on May 12, following criticisms of Russia's military performance in Ukraine. Shoigu was reassigned as the secretary of the national security council. Notably, Shoigu's dismissal came after a mutiny led by mercenary leader Yevgeny Prigozhin, who demanded the removal of Shoigu and military chief of staff Gen. Valery Gerasimov.
Shortly after the failed mutiny, Popov was relieved of his duties. He claimed that his dismissal was unjust, attributing it to his efforts to highlight challenges faced by Russian troops in Ukraine. Popov's forces were engaged in combat in the Zaporizhzhia region of Ukraine, which is now partially under Russian occupation. His removal came swiftly after a Ukrainian strike targeted the 58th Army's command post in Berdyansk, resulting in the death of a senior general.
Popov has been in custody since late May, with his legal team attempting to challenge his detention. In an unusual turn of events within the Russian justice system, authorities initially sought to keep Popov in jail. However, a subsequent petition for his release under house arrest was granted by the 235th Garrison Military Court on Monday, though the reasons for this reversal remain unclear.
