Donbass to be under Russian control: Putin appoints new commanders

Russian President Vladimir Putin has unveiled a new strategy focused on consolidating logistical and support units in the rear to enhance the effectiveness of his forces in Ukraine's Donbas region. During a meeting with military leadership, Putin announced the appointment of Valery Solodchuk to lead these consolidated rear services, emphasizing the need for these units to operate cohesively under a single command.

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Under the current conditions, this is a combat task.

"Under the current conditions, this is a combat task," Putin stated, according to Kremlin accounts, indicating the critical importance of efficient logistics in the ongoing conflict. The president further explained that Russia is restructuring its armed forces based on wartime experiences and the demands of the front lines, describing it as a "perfection of the structures of the Ministry of Defense." This move follows a recent increase in the overall strength of the Russian armed forces, which now stands at 2.426 million personnel, including 1.535 million soldiers.

The Kremlin's decision comes amidst significant challenges, particularly from Ukrainian drone attacks targeting oil refineries and logistics centers within Russian territory. These strikes have severely hampered the supply chain to the front lines, exacerbating the situation, especially in Crimea, which Russia annexed in 2014.

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It is a perfection of the structures of the Defense Ministry.

Solodschuk, tasked with addressing these logistical issues, previously commanded the "Center" army group, which Putin identified as playing a leading role in the invasion of the Donetsk region. Additionally, Andrei Ivanaev has been appointed as the new commander for the Donetsk region, with the objective of bringing the area entirely under Russian control. Putin also praised the "Vostok" (East) grouping operating in Donbas for its "energetic" actions and appointed Denis Lyamin to command the newly formed Russian drone forces.

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with such tempo, that this only evokes the highest appreciation