MOSCOW/KYIV – Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday announced a series of senior military appointments and changes within the Defense Ministry, saying the reforms would improve the military's organizational structure.
Speaking at a Kremlin meeting with Defense Minister Andrei Belousov, Chief of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces Valery Gerasimov, and commanders of the Center and East groups of forces, Putin said the ministry is continuing efforts to optimize its command and logistics system.
Putin said the ministry had recently consolidated responsibility for weapons procurement and supply under Deputy Defense Minister Alexander Sanchik, a former field commander. He also announced the appointment of Valery Solodchuk as deputy defense minister in charge of all rear and logistics services.
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Putin also approved changes to the command of several frontline military groupings.
Andrei Ivanayev was appointed commander of the Center group of forces, which Putin said is responsible for carrying out key operations in the Donetsk region.
Pyotr Bolgarev was named acting commander of the Eastern Military District and commander of the East group of forces.
Putin also announced the appointment of Denis Lyamin, who previously served as chief of staff of the Center group of forces, to oversee the formation of Russia's newly established unmanned systems forces.
Ukrainian authorities: Russian strikes on Kyiv region kill 17
Meanwhile, at least 17 people were killed and dozens of others wounded in Russian missile and drone strikes on Kyiv and the surrounding region overnight, Ukrainian authorities said on Wednesday.
The State Service for Emergencies said warehouses, logistics hubs, commercial facilities and industrial enterprises were damaged, adding that most of the casualties occurred in the Kyiv region, where 16 people were killed and 30 more injured.
Among them, the Kyiv Regional Military Administration said, nine people were killed and 12 injured in the Brovary district. At the same time, Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko reported one person killed and 26 injured in the capital.
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The Ukrainian Air Force said Russia launched 115 drones, 24 Iskander-M/S-400 ballistic missiles and four Zircon/Oniks anti-ship missiles overnight.
The Russian Defense Ministry said in a statement on Wednesday that its military carried out a large-scale strike overnight targeting transport and logistics facilities in Kyiv and the surrounding region.
It said the strikes hit logistics hubs used for storing and distributing drone components, robotic systems, electronic-warfare equipment and other military-related supplies.
The ministry also said three Ukrainian dry-cargo vessels carrying military supplies were struck in the Black Sea south of Odesa, and two specialized uncrewed surface vessels were destroyed southeast of Ochakiv.
