Sergey Surovikin, former Commander of the Russian Group of Forces in Ukraine, has appeared publicly for the first time since 2023, reportedly taking up a new role as “head of a group of Russian military specialists” at the Russian Embassy in Algeria. According to the British Ministry of Defence’s Defence Intelligence update on 27 May, photographs released by the Russian Embassy depict a visibly thinner Surovikin participating in an event commemorating Russia’s 9 May Victory Day.

Public absence followed Wagner mutiny

The Ministry reported that Surovikin had not been seen in public for many months following the failed June 2023 mutiny by the Wagner Group, which was led by Yevgeny Prigozhin. The uprising was publicly denounced by Russian President Vladimir Putin as “treason.” Surovikin, who also served as commander-in-chief of the Russian Aerospace Forces (VKS), did not appear in official functions during the period following the mutiny.

Reports of arrest, resignation unconfirmed

The report notes that there were no public confirmations regarding Surovikin’s arrest or detention in relation to the mutiny. The Russian Defense Ministry (MoD) did not officially declare his resignation. However, by September 2023, references to him were reportedly removed from the Ministry of Defense’s website, suggesting a change in his status.

“Russian authorities were likely suspicious of Surovikin’s long association with Wagner dating back to his operational activity in Syria, a notable operational nexus for Wagner, from 2017. Surovikin also served as point of contact for Wagner with the Russian MOD,” the intelligence update reads.