Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday announced a major reshuffle of the country’s military leadership, appointing new operational commanders and creating key posts for logistics and drone warfare.
Speaking during a televised Kremlin meeting, Putin said the Defence Ministry was refining its organisational structure to reflect the requirements and lessons of what Russia calls its “special military operation” in Ukraine.
As part of the restructuring, Putin appointed Colonel General Denis Lyamin as the head of Russia’s newly established Unmanned Systems Forces. The new branch will oversee the country’s expanding drone warfare capabilities.
Meanwhile, Putin appointed Colonel General Andrei Ivanayev as commander of the “Center” group of forces operating in eastern Ukraine. He also named Lieutenant General Pyotr Bolgarev as commander of the “East” group of forces.
Furthermore, the Russian president described the mission of the “Center” grouping to capture the entire Donetsk region as critical and strategically important.
Putin also praised the “East” grouping for what he described as its dynamic and aggressive advance across southern Donetsk and parts of the Zaporizhzhia region.
The leadership changes form part of a broader military reorganisation as Russia continues its military campaign in Ukraine. The Kremlin said the restructuring aims to improve operational efficiency, strengthen logistics and enhance battlefield coordination through an updated command structure.
