Top Russian general 'missing' since Wagner coup. Who is Sergei Surovikin?

A top Russian general is missing since June 25 with US intelligence reportedly claiming that he had prior knowledge of the attempted coup against Vladimir Putin by mercenary group Wagner.

Sergei Surovikin's disappearance has sparked rumours that he has been held by Russian officials for investigation over his alleged support to the mutiny. Even though Surovikin had denounced the coup attempt by Prigozhin, the association between the two led to speculations about the Russian general's involvement.

Surovikin was Moscow's supreme commander in Ukraine and in 2022 was made the head of Russia's aerospace forces.

Wagner boss Yevgeny Prigozhin had welcomed Surovikin's appointment, referring to him as a 'legendary figure'
who was "born to serve his motherland."

Nicknamed 'General Armageddon' by the Russian media, Surovikin is a veteran of Russia’s wars in Chechnya and Syria. He has been decorated by Russian President Vladimir Putin.