A series of perplexing deaths within the Russian military establishment has raised eyebrows, with the latest involving retired Lieutenant General Vladimir Sviridov, a former high-ranking air defense commander. Sviridov, 68, who had previously voiced criticism of President Vladimir Putin's handling of Russia's air force, was found dead alongside his wife, Tatyana, in their home in Stavropol Krai.
Local authorities reported that the couple, discovered in their Adzhievsky village residence, appeared to have been deceased for about a week before their bodies were found. Initial investigations revealed no signs of violent death, nor were harmful substances detected in their home. The regional FSB Directorate is reportedly conducting an in-depth investigation into the circumstances surrounding their deaths.
Sviridov, a decorated pilot and recipient of the Order of the Red Star, served as the commander of the 6th Army of the Russian Air Force and Air Defence from 2005 to 2009. He notably criticized the state of Russia's air force, pointing out inadequate training and poor conditions for officers. In an interview, he lamented the average flight time for army pilots being only 25-30 hours annually, far short of the 100 hours necessary for full combat readiness. He also highlighted issues like insufficient accommodation for officers, pushing many to leave the military prematurely.
His departure from the commander's role at 54 followed a series of scathing public comments about the Russian armed forces, including an appeal to Putin to improve living conditions for servicemen. Sviridov's critical stance highlighted systemic issues within the military and underscored a growing discontent among Russia's top military officials.
The string of mysterious deaths among Russian military and private security figures has sparked speculation about potential internal conflicts within the Kremlin's ranks. This speculation was further fueled by the August plane crash that killed Yevgeny Prigozhin, leader of the private military company Wagner. Prigozhin's death, occurring under suspicious circumstances, intensified theories of a deliberate targeting of military figures at odds with the Kremlin's policies.
As investigations into Sviridov's death continue, questions remain about the safety and stability within Russia's military and political spheres. The silence from the Kremlin and the lack of transparent information have only added to the intrigue and concern surrounding these recent events.
