Mikhail Efremovich Ionov (1846, 1924) was a Russian general of infantry and a participant in the Turkestan campaigns, as well as the punitive ataman of the Semirechye Cossack army.

He was born in 1846 and received his education at the Orlov Bakhitin Cadet Corps and the 2nd Military Konstantinov School. In 1866, Ionov became a second lieutenant in the Orenburg Rifle Battalion, which later became the 1st Turkestan Battalion. In 1867 and 1868, he participated in the conquest of Bukhara and was awarded the rank of lieutenant and several orders.

In 1873, as part of the Jizzakh Column of the Turkestan Detachment, Ionov participated in the campaign against Khiva and distinguished himself at the Sheikh-Aryk crossing, for which he received the rank of captain and the Order of St. Vladimir. In 1875, during the uprising in Kokand, his company joined the forces of General Kaufman. For his participation in the Makhram battle and other fights, he received several awards and ranks, including the Order of St. George.

In 1881, Ionov became a lieutenant colonel, and in 1883, he headed the 2nd Turkestan Line Battalion. In 1886, he was promoted to colonel. In 1891, Ionov was sent to Alai and Pamir to clear the territories of Afghan and Chinese posts. His actions in Pamir caused international resonance, including the arrest of British agents and the expulsion of a Chinese official. In 1892, he encountered an Afghan post, leading to an armed conflict.

In 1893, Ionov became the head of the Alai Reserve, and in 1894, he was promoted to major general and appointed commander of the 4th Turkestan Line Brigade. In 1898, he commanded troops in the Fergana region, and in 1900, he led the Jarkent detachment. From 1899 to 1907, Ionov served as the governor of the Semirechye region and commander of the troops.

His sons, Alexander and Vladimir, also participated in military actions. The exact date of Ionov's death is unknown, but there are several versions: according to one, he was killed in the early 1920s, while another states he died in 1923, accepting the revolution. His great-granddaughter Natalia Kareeva claims that he passed away from heart paralysis on January 16, 1924, in the suburbs of Almaty.