Moscow-Installed Leader Honors Imprisoned Commander for Military Service in Occupied Zaporizhzhia

The head of the partially occupied Zaporizhzhia region in Ukraine, who was appointed by the Kremlin, recognized imprisoned Russian General Ivan Popov on Thursday for his military contributions.

Popov, who previously commanded Russia’s 58th Army, was sentenced in April to five years in prison for fraud, after being accused of misappropriating $1.5 million in metal meant to strengthen Russian defenses in the occupied areas of Ukraine.

His detention sparked backlash from influential pro-war military bloggers, who criticized the Defense Ministry for neglecting a respected commander on the battlefield. Popov, who has denied the allegations against him, had previously requested President Vladimir Putin to permit his return to active duty in Ukraine, but this request was declined.

On Wednesday, Yevgeny Balitsky, the governor of Zaporizhzhia supported by Moscow, issued a decree honoring Popov with the Order “For Merit to the Zaporizhzhia Region,” acknowledging his “exhibited courage, professionalism, and fulfillment of duty.”

Balitsky also recognized three additional senior Russian officers for their efforts in countering Ukraine’s offensive during the summer of 2023, including Colonel General Alexander Romanchuk, Colonel General Denis Lyamin, and Lieutenant General Sergei Nyrkov.