MOSCOW - President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday designated Denis Lyamin to lead Russia's Unmanned Systems Forces, a newly created military branch charged with drone warfare.
The announcement was made as part of what Putin described as a "refinement" of the armed forces' structure, issued mid-way through the fifth year of the war in Ukraine.
At a televised meeting with defence ministry chiefs, Putin addressed Lyamin directly and called him "one of the most qualified specialists" to assume responsibility for the new drone forces. He instructed Lyamin to complete the formation of the unit and to take command "in the near future".
Lyamin's recent post was chief of staff for the "Centre" group of Russian forces engaged in Ukraine. His military background includes graduation from a tank command school and service in the ground forces.
Role of drones in the conflict
The creation of a dedicated Unmanned Systems Forces follows the growing prominence of drones in the fighting. Both sides have deployed unmanned systems not only along the roughly 1,200 km (750-mile) front line but also for strikes at sea and against targets far behind the front, including energy infrastructure and commercial warehouses.
Ukraine last month announced the establishment of its own "long-range impact" command.
Related command changes
At the same meeting where Lyamin's appointment was announced, Putin said the commander of the Centre group, Valery Solodchuk, would be reassigned to a new post overseeing all military logistics. Solodchuk is to be succeeded as Centre commander by Andrei Ivanayev, who until now led the Eastern group of forces.
Putin described the Centre group as central to Russia's efforts to capture the entirety of the Donetsk region, which he identified as a top priority in the conflict.
Context and next steps
The president's orders require Lyamin to finish forming the new Unmanned Systems Forces and to assume operational command in the near term. The reshuffle also moves senior leaders into roles with responsibility for logistics and regional force commands.