Russian General’s death sparks suspicions of insider leak

Russian Lieutenant General Sergei Milchakov, commander of Russia’s 51st Combined Arms Army, has been killed in a strike on the army’s military command post, Russian Telegram channels report.

Milchakov was leading Russian forces involved in offensive operations in the Pokrovsk-Dobropillia direction. He was also awarded the title of “Hero of Russia.”

According to preliminary reports, Milchakov may have been killed on August 26, when Ukrainian Defence Forces struck Russian military command posts in occupied Donetsk.

Russian sources have suggested that the strike may have been enabled by an information leak from within the Russian military. “The enemy carried out a precise strike, which means that information about the location was leaked by our own people,” Russian journalist Anastasia Kashevarova said.

Milchakov’s name had previously appeared in investigations concerning alleged corruption and possible drug trafficking among Russian military personnel.

However, reports of his death have not been officially confirmed.

Initial reports circulating on social media also claimed that another Milchakov, Alexey Milchakov, had been killed. He is one of the founders and commanders of the “Rusich” sabotage-assault reconnaissance group, which is fighting against Ukraine.

By Vafa Guliyeva