In a recent turn of events, Colonel General Gennady Zhidko, a former top Russian Army commander, passed away under circumstances that have raised eyebrows. The 57-year-old general's death was announced as due to a "long illness," but the suddenness and the backdrop against which it occurred have led to speculations.
Zhidko, who once held the esteemed position of Russia's deputy minister of defense, was dismissed by President Vladimir Putin in October 2022. This decision followed a series of setbacks Moscow faced in their conflict against Ukraine. Zhidko's leadership during this period, particularly his role as the commander of Russia's Eastern Military District, came under scrutiny. The dismissal was notably after Ukraine launched successful counteroffensives in the southern city of Kherson and the northeastern Kharkiv region, reclaiming territories previously under Russian control.
Mikhail Degtyarev, the governor of Khabarovsk Krai, confirmed Zhidko's death in a Telegram post. He praised the late general for his dedication to service and his attention to the needs of ordinary soldiers. Degtyarev reminisced about Zhidko's various roles, including his time in Syria and his tenure as the deputy minister of defense. He concluded his post with a tribute, "Eternal memory to the Hero, God rest his soul.”
However, what makes Zhidko's death particularly intriguing is the context. Since the onset of Putin’s war against Ukraine in February 2022, there has been a noticeable pattern of sudden and mysterious deaths among Russian officials. Over 40 high-profile Russians, encompassing oligarchs, scientists, military generals, and Kremlin officials, have died under circumstances that remain unexplained. Many of these individuals had reportedly voiced criticism against Putin and his war strategies in Ukraine.
In a related incident, another Russian general, General Gennady Lopyrev, 69, was found dead under similarly mysterious circumstances shortly after General Zhidko’s passing. While some Russian sources have attributed Lopyrev's death to leukemia, the exact cause remains undetermined. Lopyrev’s son expressed his bewilderment at the rapid turn of events, noting that his father's recent medical checks showed no significant health concerns.
These series of deaths have not only raised concerns but also questions about the internal dynamics within Russia's political and military circles. As the world watches, the need for transparency and clarity becomes paramount, especially when the individuals in question held positions of significant influence and power in the nation's governance and defense structures.