Former commander of Russia's 58th Army, General Ivan Popov, was awarded the Order of Merit for the Zaporizhzhia Region, 1st class, despite being in custody. The award was presented by Yevgeny Balitsky, the Russian-appointed "leader" of the occupied territory.
According to him, Popov demonstrated "courage and professionalism" during the repulsion of Ukraine's counteroffensive in the summer of 2023.
However, Popov was sentenced to 5 years in prison and stripped of his rank in the spring of 2024 for allegedly embezzling 1,700 tons of metal products. During the trial, he requested permission to return to the combat zone, but this request was denied.
