Russia's Top Generals Vanish Amid Mutiny and Power Struggle

Gerasimov, the commander of Russia's war in Ukraine and holder of one of Russia's three "nuclear briefcases," has not been seen since the aborted mutiny on Saturday, and has not been mentioned in a defense ministry press release since June 9.

The New York Times reported that Surovikin, known as "General Armageddon," had advance knowledge of the mutiny and may have been complicit.

The Russian government has denied the report.

There are unconfirmed reports of at least one arrest, and some military correspondents say Surovikin and other senior officers are being questioned about their possible role in the mutiny.

A purge of military personnel deemed to have shown "a lack of decisiveness" in putting down the mutiny is reportedly underway, which could alter the way Russia wages its war in Ukraine and cause turmoil in the ranks at a time when Moscow is trying to stymie a Ukrainian counteroffensive.

Recent events in Russia have led to speculation about the fate of several top military officials.

The mutiny of Yevgeny Prigozhin, a businessman and ally of President Putin, has caused a shift in the power dynamics within the Russian military.

It is believed that Prigozhin had expected Putin to rule in his favor, but instead, his mutiny may have ensured the continued tenure of Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and Chief of Staff General Valery Gerasimov, who are widely regarded as incompetent and detested within the Russian military.

Viktor Zolotov, head of the National Guard, has appeared in public to say his men are ready to defend Moscow from Wagner and has spoken of the possibility of obtaining heavy weaponry and tanks.

Gerasimov was absent when Putin thanked the army for averting a civil war, and there are unconfirmed reports that Surovikin, Gerasimov's deputy, is being held in Moscow's Lefortovo detention facility after being arrested.