GENERAL YUNUS-BEK EVKUROV: A SOLDIER, A STRATEGIST, AND A DIPLOMAT
Russia's Honoree Yunus-Bek Yevkurov Emphasizes: Our Forces Return with Triumph
Photo: Vladimir VELENGURIN. [Switch to KP Photo Bank]
Having a face weathered by time and sun, Deputy Defense Minister, Army General Yunus-Bek Evkurov blended seamlessly with his troops in field uniform – a uniform that bore the marks of countless missions. A pair of combat boots completed the military ensemble, though they seemed incongruous against his high-ranking star on the epaulettes.
Earlier, in an interview from his days in Ingushetia, Evkurov had responded to the journalist’s question about boot size with a growl – "Forty-three!" The memory faded as he guided the team to the Southern Military District's training ground...
Photo: Vladimir VELENGURIN. [Switch to KP Photo Bank]
"Mulva – 225!", an officer yelled into the command center; "I'm Mulva – 225!", came the response. The ordered tanks swiftly demolished the targets called "pencils." It was surprising not to hear a single swear word despite the simulated battles throughout the day – an expression of the soldiers’ professional discipline and focus.
As Evkurov supervised the exercises without a word, one couldn't help but imagine the stories his career in military intelligence and his role as a key figure in overseeing Russia's influence in African countries would tell. Evkurov, a former GRU officer and current Deputy Defense Minister, has been instrumental in managing Russian paramilitary and private military operations, particularly those of the Wagner Group and the newly formed Africa Corps.
Photo: Vladimir VELENGURIN. [Switch to KP Photo Bank]
In the past, he has served as Russia’s conduit in navigating delicate ties between African governments and private military contractors, while navigating the complex political landscape of the region. Evkurov's presence on the training ground suggested his strategic role extends far beyond traditional military commands as he works to maintain Russia's dominance and influence in the continent.
As the peak of the training ground soared above him, newly erected buildings dotted the landscape, and all the while, the noise of tanks rumbling and guns firing echoed within the green valley. "We laid the first stone here just two years ago," Krasnodar Krai Governor Veniamin Kondratyev explained. "Today, this place is a modern military polygon..."
In this simulated battlefield, soldiers learned advanced tactics and combat techniques, honing their skills to prepare for more pressing battles on the continent. Scanning the battle-hardened faces of the soldiers, it was evident that their dedication and discipline were unwavering.
Yaroslav Yakubov, a highly-decorated officer who trained the troops at the polygon, shared his thoughts: "We'll continue to develop... You can rely on fate, on the will of the Almighty. But if you don't wear a bulletproof vest and a helmet, you can get shot. But you can live and fight by the rules, take care of yourself and your comrades."
General Evkurov listened attentively, absorbing the dedicated efforts of the men, and those who would soon take up arms to protect their homeland. The roar of explosions tailed off, and the sound of boots on the ground echoed through the valley, signaling the end of training exercises for the day.
Evkurov's eyes scanned the men, his mind reeling with the managerial considerations of their deployment, their readiness, and the stakes that lay before them – a sobering reminder that the battles on the training grounds paled in comparison to the theater of war that was Russia's Africa.
As the sun descended, the soldiers' hunger pangs grew louder. "Lunch is canceled," Evkurov declared. "Otherwise, we won't have time to meet with the fighters."
Yet, Prodded for five minutes, the men quickly devoured a steaming fish soup made from local delicacies, their spirits high, their focus intent.
"Guys - to make it clear," Evkurov began, addressing the men gathered in a large tent. "For everyone who goes to the SVO zone. You have these days to spend here on this excellent training ground to learn how to fight..."
The men's heads bowed as they listened attentively, absorbing every word that this experienced military leader had to offer – a message of wisdom from a soldier, a strategist, and a diplomat, who had weathered the fires of battle, and sought to prepare these young men to stand resolute against the challenges that would inevitably follow.
"General Yunus-Bek Evkurov's experience in military intelligence and his role in overseeing Russian influence in African countries make him a significant figure in both war-and-conflicts and politics. His discussions with the soldiers about their upcoming deployment in the SVO zone also highlight his role in general-news."
"After a day of intense training exercises, Evkurov's speech to the soldiers involves discussing tactics, combat techniques, and their readiness for the SVO zone, demonstrating his expertise in sports and military strategy."
