Putin announces reshuffle in Russian military

Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced a restructuring of the Russian Defence Ministry, saying he has decided to place all of the ministry’s logistics services under the authority of a single official.

Colonel General Valery Solodchuk, who previously served as commander of the Central Military District, has been appointed to lead the newly consolidated structure.

Interfax reported that Putin made the announcement during a meeting with the leadership of the Defence Ministry.

“At the proposal of the Minister of Defence, a decision has been taken to consolidate all logistics services under one person. I would like to note that, under the current circumstances, this is also a full-fledged combat task. I have decided to appoint Valery Nikolayevich Solodchuk to head this area,” Putin said during the meeting, which was attended by the Chief of the General Staff, military commanders, and the chiefs of staff of the Centre and East groups of forces.

The responsibilities of deputy defence ministers have also been reassigned.

Deputy Defence Minister Alexander Sanchik will oversee the organisation of orders for weapons, military and special equipment, as well as technical support for the armed forces.

Deputy Defence Minister Alexey Krivoruchko, who had been responsible for the military-technical support of the Armed Forces, will coordinate the development of modern weapons, military equipment and special equipment.

Colonel General Andrey Ivanayev has been appointed commander of the Central Military District, while Pyotr Bolgarev will serve as acting commander of the Eastern Military District.

Under a presidential decree, Colonel General Denis Lyamin, who previously served as chief of staff of the Central Military District, has been appointed commander of the Armed Forces’ Unmanned Systems Troops.