Putin appoints Denis Lyamin to lead new Russian drone force
The overhaul also moves Central group commander Valery Solodchuk to head Russia's military logistics.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has appointed Denis Lyamin to lead the Russian Unmanned Systems Forces, a new military branch that will handle drone warfare. The appointment on Wednesday, August 5, is part of a broader restructuring of the military as the Russia-Ukraine war enters its fifth year. Putin told Lyamin to complete the formation of the force and assume command immediately. Lyamin previously served as chief of staff of the Central group fighting in Ukraine and is described as having experience in the ground forces. In the same overhaul, Central group commander Valery Solodchuk was moved to a post overseeing all military logistics, while Andrei Ivanayev replaced him. Drones have become a key element of the war, used on the front lines, at sea and in long-range strikes on infrastructure and depots.