A decorated Russian general and his wife were found dead under mysterious circumstances at their home in the village of Adzhievsky in the Stavropol region. Lt. Gen. Vladimir Sviridov, 68, who had previously criticized President Vladimir Putin for running a “third-rate” air force, was discovered dead in bed alongside his 72-year-old wife, Tatiana. The couple had been deceased for about a week before the bodies were found, and no signs of violence were observed at the scene.
While the cause of death is still unknown, a detailed inspection of the gas appliances in the house suggested that a key valve malfunctioned during a power outage, leading to speculation that the couple died in their sleep from carbon monoxide poisoning. The Investigative Committee of Russia is looking into the Sviridovs’ deaths.
General Sviridov had been ousted from his commanding post more than a decade ago after repeatedly criticizing the Russian air force. He had complained about the training of pilots, citing a lack of flight time and the appointment of unqualified officers. Despite his previous criticisms, Sviridov was highly decorated and received the title of “Honored Combat Pilot of Russia” during his military career.
The deaths of General Sviridov and his wife are the latest in a string of suspicious deaths among critics of President Putin since the start of the war in Ukraine. This pattern has raised concerns about the safety and treatment of those who speak out against the Russian government.
The Investigative Committee’s findings are eagerly awaited by the public and international community for further insights into this tragic incident.