Kathrine Frich
He was once held up as a symbol of loyalty and success on Russia’s battlefield.
Praised publicly and rewarded at the highest level, his career seemed secure.
That changed abruptly after he spoke out.
A decorated favourite
Lieutenant Sukhrab Akhmedov was awarded the title of Hero of Russia last year for what the Kremlin described as his “military successes in the Kursk Oblast,” according to independent Russian media.
Vladimir Putin personally presented the honour, praising the officer’s effectiveness and publicly describing him as “his hero.”
At the time, Akhmedov was serving as a naval commander responsible for coastal and ground forces and was already known for his harsh reputation during fighting against Ukrainian troops.
Reputation for brutality
Akhmedov, now 51, had built a fearsome image during Russia’s war in Ukraine, with reports highlighting the cruelty he inflicted on Ukrainian soldiers in combat.
Despite earlier operational failures, the authorities largely ignored his missteps, apparently valuing his loyalty and perceived battlefield results.
That tolerance would not last once his criticism turned inward.
Public criticism backfires
The turning point came when Akhmedov openly criticised the Kremlin over Russian losses in the Pokrovsk area.
He reportedly described the casualties as “meaningless,” a rare public rebuke of Russia’s military leadership from a senior officer.
According to independent Russian outlets, this criticism marked his fall from favour, transforming a former Kremlin favourite into a liability.
Accusations resurface
After his remarks, Akhmedov was dismissed from his post. Reports say he may also face criminal proceedings.
The Kremlin is said to blame him for a failed naval assault near Pokrovsk late last year, where a mechanised attack was destroyed by Ukrainian forces within minutes.
He is also accused of responsibility for a deadly incident near Kremennaya in 2023, when Russian soldiers were ordered to stand in formation for hours awaiting a “motivational speech.”
During that gathering, Ukrainian forces reportedly spotted the troops and launched an attack, killing many.
A warning to others
For much of the war, Akhmedov’s record was overlooked, Russian media report, with authorities effectively turning a blind eye to earlier disasters.
Only after he publicly challenged the leadership did those incidents resurface.
His downfall is now being seen as a stark warning to others inside Russia’s military: battlefield brutality may be tolerated, but open criticism of the Kremlin is not.
Sources: Independent Russian media, O2.
