The meeting was attended by the Minister of Defence, the Chief of the General Staff, and the commanders and chiefs of staff of the Tsentr and Vostok groups of forces.
President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Comrades, good afternoon.
As you are aware, we continue to refine the structure of the Defence Ministry in response to the demands and lessons of the special military operation.
You will also be aware that a decision was recently taken to consolidate all arms-related matters – including the functions of both procurement and supply agencies – under a single post. This work within the Ministry is being led by Deputy Minister Alexander Sanchik, who until recently served with distinction as commander of one of our groups of forces.
At the suggestion of the Defence Minister, a further decision has been made to consolidate all logistics services under a single position. I would emphasise that, in today’s environment, this is very much a combat assignment. I have appointed Valery Solodchuk to this role, and that is my decision.
Mr Solodchuk, I mentioned at the outset that Alexander Sanchik was only recently appointed to the post of Deputy Minister. He is a combat officer, much like yourself, with a solid record as a commander who skilfully led troops on the ground. Now he is taking on a different set of responsibilities.
But I would also like to address you, Mr Solodchuk. We know each other well, and you are without question one of the most talented commanders serving today. I described leading logistics services as a combat role for a reason. I have every confidence that you will bring your best organisational abilities to bear here. Moreover, no one knows better than the commanders on the ground, district and group commanders like yourself, what our troops, our soldiers, and our officers actually need at this moment. We will discuss that separately.
Of course, the Tsentr group of forces is one of our principal formations, entrusted with the most critical and responsible missions aimed at liberating the Donetsk People’s Republic. The question of who should lead this group and assume command is by no means straightforward. I would like to invite Andrei Ivanayev to take up this assignment.
Mr Ivanayev possesses an in-depth understanding not only of his own area of responsibility, but also of that of the Tsentr group of forces, as the two commanders have worked closely together and continue to do so. It is of paramount importance that the effectiveness of combat operations in this sector is maintained. I am confident that Mr Ivanayev will successfully carry out this task.
With regard to the next matter – the question addressed to Mr Ivanayev himself as to who, in his judgement, should take command of the Vostok group of forces, which is conducting operations with vigour, energy and a tempo that deserves the highest praise. On Mr Ivanayev’s recommendation, the group’s Chief of Staff, Pyotr Bolgarev, is appointed Acting Commander of the Eastern Military District and, accordingly, Commander of the Vostok group of forces.
Mr Bolgarev, you have worked in close coordination with Andrei Ivanayev. I hope that you will continue to carry out joint tasks together, and that your efforts will be just as effective as they have been under Mr Ivanayev’s command.
Finally, as you all know, we have decided to establish a new branch within the Armed Forces – the Unmanned Systems Forces. The task before us was to identify an individual who has demonstrated excellence in this sphere. We consider Denis Lyamin, who has until now served as Chief of Staff of the Tsentr group of forces, to be one of the most highly qualified specialists in this field.
Mr Lyamin, this new branch of the Armed Forces is only beginning to take shape. I hope that you – and the Defence Minister and the Chief of the General Staff share this view – will, as one of our most qualified specialists, complete the establishment of the Unmanned Systems Forces and assume command of them in the near future.
Comrades officers, I would like to thank you for your service in your previous posts and to express my confidence that your combat experience, your personal and professional qualities, and your organisational skills will serve you well in addressing new tasks. Thank you for everything you have accomplished so far. Please convey my sincere gratitude to all your soldiers and commanders.
And, of course, I would like to hear your assessment of the current situation along the line of contact, as well as reports from the Defence Minister and the Chief of the General Staff on the overall situation and on the areas of responsibility of the groups of forces you have commanded until now.
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