Sukhrab Akhmedov, the Russian Navy’s deputy commander-in-chief for coastal and ground forces, has been removed from his post, according to a Telegram post by Vladimir Rogov, co-chair of the Civic Chamber’s Coordination Council for the “integration of the new subjects of the Russian Federation” and a member of the main council of the Russian occupation administration in the Zaporizhzhia region.
In late December, Ukraine said it repelled a mechanized assault by Russian marines in the area of the former Dobropillia salient using drones, MLRS, artillery and minefields. Reported Russian losses included six tanks, 14 armored fighting vehicles, one armored recovery vehicle and 10 quad bikes. Russian military blogger Vladimir Romanov blamed Akhmedov for the failed assault, saying he commanded the marines on that axis.
In May 2024, Akhmedov was removed as commander of the 20th Army. A year earlier, Russian military bloggers had held him responsible for the deaths of Russian servicemen near Kreminna in a HIMARS strike. The Rybar Telegram channel said troops had waited outdoors for two hours for Akhmedov’s “motivational speech.” During that time, Ukrainian forces spotted the formation and struck, killing dozens. Akhmedov has repeatedly faced accusations of inept leadership that led to heavy Russian casualties.
Nevertheless, the Chechnya-born Akhmedov was promoted to lieutenant general in December 2023, and in July 2025 he was awarded the title Hero of Russia.
