The lawyer for the former commander of the 58th Combined Arms Army, Major General Ivan Popov, asked the court to acquit his client, who is accused of fraud and official forgery. According to the defense, the investigation did not provide convincing evidence of the general's guilt, and the charges brought against him are based on assumptions unrelated to his actions. The case, related to the alleged theft of metal structures intended for the construction of defensive structures in the Zaporizhia region, has caused a wide resonance due to the personality of Popov, a combat officer who had previously openly criticized the leadership of the Ministry of Defense. The trial, taking place in the Tambov Garrison Military Court, is nearing completion, and the decision may be decisive for the general's career.

According to investigators, Popov participated in a scheme in 2023 to sell more than 1700 tons of rolled metal purchased to strengthen the front line, worth about 130 million rubles. The prosecutor's office claims that he acted in collusion with businessman Sergei Moiseyev and the deceased Lieutenant General Oleg Tsokov, who allegedly organized the scam. Popov categorically denies guilt, stating that he has nothing to do with financial fraud and that his activities were aimed exclusively at carrying out combat missions. The defense emphasizes that the general, known for his integrity, became a victim of circumstances, and the case may be related to his criticism of his superiors in 2023, after which he was removed from command.

The trial has attracted the attention of the public and military circles. Sources say dozens of witnesses testified at the trial, including officers from the 58th Army, who confirmed Popov's professionalism and lack of selfish motives. More than 500 servicemen expressed their willingness to testify in his favor, and the Zaporizhia regional administration refused to recognize itself as the injured party, thanking the general for his contribution to the defense of the region. Lawyer Sergei Buinovsky previously told TASS that the investigation ignored key defense witnesses, and the prosecution is based on the testimony of Moiseyev, who admitted guilt in exchange for a lighter sentence.