Russian general ousted after criticizing military top brass to return to battle – in charge of notorious unit of ex-convicts

CNN
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One of Russia’s most outspoken generals, sacked and detained after a withering attack on the Defense Ministry two years ago, is returning to the front, according to his lawyer.

But according to Russian state media, he’s been handed a poisoned chalice: front-line command of a notorious battalion of ex-prisoners that has suffered massive casualties in Ukraine.

Two years ago, Major General Ivan Popov was the decorated commander of the 58th Combined Arms Army in southern Ukraine, receiving plaudits for his leadership.

Then he made a mistake – sending a voice note to colleagues excoriating the leadership of the Defense Ministry, and…