In a move demonstrating preparation for a new phase of operations in Ukraine, Vladimir Putin proceeded with sweeping changes in the Ministry of Defense and military leadership on the critical Donetsk front, replacing top commanders and establishing a separate unmanned systems (drone) force in the Russian army.
The Russian president appointed Colonel General Valery Solodchuk Deputy Minister of Defense, as announced by the Kremlin.
By presidential decree, Valery Solodchuk is relieved of his duties as commander of the Central Military District, a position assumed by Colonel General Andrey Ivanayev.
Following a proposal by Minister of Defense Andrey Belousov, it was decided to consolidate all logistics services under a single command.
Appointed as head is Valery Solodchuk, former commander of the «Center» group, whom Vladimir Putin described as «one of the most talented commanders».
The reshuffles in the «Center» and «East» groups, the unification of the military supply chain, and the creation of a specialized drone staff compose the most extensive overhaul of the Russian military apparatus in recent months.
Valery Solodchuk
Sweeping changes in Donetsk and new drone force in the Russian army
The Russian president announced sweeping changes in the military command of the «special military operation» zone, during a meeting with the leadership of the Ministry of Defense.
In a move revealing intense behind-the-scenes activity in the Russian military leadership, the Russian president replaced the commander of the «Center» troop group, due to the transfer of Valery Solodchuk to the Ministry of Defense, placing Lieutenant General Andrei Ivanaev on one of the most critical operational fronts in Donetsk.
The Russian president even admitted that the selection of the new commander «was not a simple matter».
At the same time, Putin's most striking decision concerns the creation of a new branch of the Russian armed forces for unmanned systems.
Appointed as head of the new unmanned systems forces was Denis Lyamin, until now chief of staff of the «Center» group.
Vladimir Putin stated that a person with proven experience in the field of drones was sought, describing Denis Lyamin as one of the most qualified officers in this domain.
The career of the new «Center» group commander, Andrei Ivanaev
Specifically, President of Russia Vladimir Putin appointed Lieutenant General Andrei Ivanaev commander of the «Center» troop group, as reported by TASS.
The Russian president stated that the «Center» group constitutes one of the main operational forces in the «special military operation» zone and has the mission of taking control of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic.
«The question of who will lead the group, who will command it, is not a simple matter. I ask Andrei Sergeevich Ivanaev to assume this position and this operational front», stated Vladimir Putin.
Until today, the «Center» group was commanded by Colonel General Valery Solodchuk, who assumes the role of Deputy Minister of Defense.
Andrei Ivanaev served since 2024 as commander of the «East» troop group.
Previously, in 2017, he had commanded the «Euphrates» group in Syria, while in 2018 Vladimir Putin had placed him at the head of the Guards Combined Arms Army of the Western Military District of Russia.
Andrei Ivanaev has been honored with the orders of «Alexander Nevsky», «For Military Services», and «For Services to the Fatherland» 3rd Class with Swords.
This change is considered significant because a commander with experience from both Syria and the Ukrainian front is transferred to one of Russia's most critical operational centers.
What is the «Center» group
The «Center» group is one of the main operational commands of Russian forces in the war zone in Ukraine. It was created after the start of the Russian invasion in 2022 and reports to the Russian General Staff.
Its main mission is operations in the central section of the Donbas front, primarily in the Donetsk region.
The «Center» group operates mainly along the Avdiivka, Pokrovsk, Kostiantynivka axes and in the wider area west and northwest of Donetsk.
After the fall of Avdiivka in 2024, the group is considered the main force of the Russian advance toward western Donetsk.
Why it is considered so important
Vladimir Putin himself described it as «one of the top groups» on the front. Military analysts consider it critical because it concentrates a large number of motorized and armored units, possesses strong artillery support, and lies on the main axis of the Russian effort for full control of the region.
Change of guard in the «East» group as well
The Russian president also appointed Lieutenant General Pyotr Bolgarev interim commander of the Eastern Military District and head of the «East» group.
According to Vladimir Putin, the proposal came from Andrey Ivanayev himself, who until recently commanded this group.
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