In the Russian army, Sukhrab Akhmedov gained a reputation as a general whose orders leave behind shattered columns, bodies in open terrain, and complaints from his own servicemen. Open sources link his name to at least three major loss incidents: Pavlivka in 2022, the formation near Kreminna in 2023, and the failed mechanized assault near Dobropillia in late 2025.

However, this reputation did not hinder his career. During 2023, Akhmedov was promoted twice, in 2025 he became a Hero of Russia, and after his first dismissal, he received a new high-ranking position. His position finally became unstable only after the third public scandal.

Pavlivka: 300 Casualties in Four Days

In autumn 2022, Akhmedov commanded the actions of the 155th Naval Infantry Brigade near Pavlivka, close to Vuhledar. After several days of attacks, servicemen recorded an appeal to the governor of Primorye. They claimed to have lost approximately 300 personnel killed, wounded, and missing in action, as well as up to half of their equipment, in just four days.

The marines accused the command of attempting to report the capture of the settlement at any cost by a commemorative date. Russian military correspondents wrote about frontal assaults, a lack of reconnaissance, and poorly organized coordination. A military prosecutor's investigation had no public consequences for the generals.

Kreminna: Soldiers Awaited a Late General

In June 2023, a new scandal occurred in a rear area near Kreminna. According to reports from Russian military channels, servicemen of the 144th Motorized Rifle Division were assembled in an open field before being sent to the front line. The personnel waited a long time for the arrival of Sukhrab Akhmedov, commander of the 20th Army.

The formation was struck by HIMARS. The number of killed and wounded was not officially disclosed; sources cited approximately 100 killed and another 100 wounded. Even pro-war authors called the incident criminal negligence and questioned why hundreds of people would be gathered in one place within range of high-precision weapons.

Two Promotions Instead of Accountability

In February 2023, Akhmedov received the rank of Major General, and in December, Lieutenant General. Thus, in the same year that the strike on the formation was discussed, his career continued to advance. In May 2024, the general was removed from command of the 20th Army after prolonged criticism, but he was not dismissed from the armed forces.

In 2025, Akhmedov became Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Navy for Coastal and Land Forces. In July of the same year, he was awarded the title of Hero of Russia. The official wording did not disclose for which specific operation he received the highest state award.

Dobropillia: Another Column on a Minefield

In late December 2025, Russian units launched a mechanized assault in the Dobropillia area. Ukrainian sources published videos showing the column being hit by drones, artillery, and mine barriers. Reported losses included six tanks, 14 armored vehicles, a BREM (armored recovery vehicle), and ten quad bikes; it is impossible to independently confirm all figures.

Russian military correspondent Vladimir Romanov accused Akhmedov of organizing the attack. In January 2026, sources reported that the general had lost his position as Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Navy. The Ministry of Defense did not provide a detailed public explanation.

The Outcome

Akhmedov's story demonstrates that in the Russian command system, major losses alone do not halt a career. Subordinate complaints, routed units, and scandals in pro-war channels may lead to an investigation or temporary removal, but alongside these, promotions, new appointments, and state awards exist.

Pavlivka cost hundreds of lives. The formation near Kreminna turned its own soldiers into a stationary target. The Dobropillia assault ended with burned-out equipment. Between these episodes, the general received two new stars on his shoulder boards and one – the Hero of Russia.