Putin reshuffles military leadership overseeing Ukraine operations

Russian President Vladimir Putin held a meeting with the leadership of the Russian Ministry of Defense as part of ongoing efforts to reform the ministry’s structure, drawing on lessons learned from the special military operation.

During the expanded meeting, which included Defense Minister Andrei Belousov, Putin said that restructuring the ministry continues to address the needs and experiences gained from the special military operation, according to Sputnik.

Putin asked the assembled military leaders to provide their assessments of the current situation along the combat front line, adding that improvements to the ministry’s structure are ongoing in line with operational requirements and experience from the conflict.

The president announced changes in the command of military groups in the special operation zone: Valery Solodchuk will oversee all logistics services at the Ministry of Defense, Andrei Ivanayev will succeed him as commander of the Central Group, Pyotr Bolgarev has been appointed acting commander of the Eastern Group, and Denis Lyamin will lead unmanned systems forces (drones).