Moscow, August 5: Russian President Vladimir Putin announced significant senior-level appointments and changes within the military and defense ministry on Wednesday. He stated that these reforms aim to enhance the organizational structure of the armed forces.
During a meeting at the Kremlin with Defense Minister Andrei Belousov, Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov, and commanders of the Center and East military groups, Putin emphasized that the defense ministry is continuously working to improve command and logistics efficiency.
Putin revealed that the responsibility for arms procurement and supply has recently been assigned to Deputy Defense Minister Alexander Sanchik, a former field commander. He also appointed Valery Solodchuk as Deputy Defense Minister, who will now oversee all rear support and logistics services for the army.
According to the Xinhua news agency, Putin approved changes in the leadership of several military groups deployed at the front. Andrei Ivanayev has been appointed as the commander of the ‘Center Group of Forces,’ which is responsible for significant military operations in the Donetsk region.
Pyotr Bolgarev has been named the acting commander of the Eastern Military District and the head of the ‘East Group of Forces.’
Putin announced that Denis Lyamin, previously the Chief of Staff for the Center Group of Forces, will now be responsible for the formation and development of Russia’s newly established unmanned military system.
Last week, Putin signed a presidential decree to increase the number of personnel in the Russian armed forces by 25,000. This information was published on the official portal for legal documents.
In June, the Russian president had set the total approved strength of the armed forces at 2,399,130 personnel, including 1,510,000 soldiers.
The new order states, “Due to the establishment of new military construction units within the Russian armed forces, amendments are made to presidential decree number 419 dated June 12, 2026. The total approved strength of the Russian armed forces will now be 2,426,130 personnel, including 1,535,000 soldiers.”
–
Leave a Comment