Amid Ukrainian Air Attacks, Putin Replaces Aerospace Forces Commander
Russian President Vladimir Putin has decided to replace the commander of the country's Aerospace Forces, which include air defense and anti-missile defense troops. Since 2023, General Viktor Afzalov held this position, but he has now been replaced by Colonel General Alexander Chaiko, writes The Moscow Times.
54-year-old Alexander Chaiko commanded Russian troops in Syria in the late 2010s, and since 2021, he led the Eastern Military District. He holds the title of Hero of Russia. According to information from the European Union, Chaiko is linked to the events in Bucha, where Russian military personnel are accused of mass killings of civilians. In March 2026, the EU imposed personal sanctions against him.
The change in command of the Russian Aerospace Forces occurred against the backdrop of problems with air defense. Recently, Russia has faced a series of attacks by Ukrainian drones, which its air defense proved unable to fully repel. In late March, strikes targeted major oil ports on the Baltic Sea, leading to a halt in oil exports.
In April, the attacks continued: over 20 strikes hit various oil facilities, including several oil refineries, some of which were forced to cease operations. As a result, the country's oil processing volumes dropped to their lowest level since 2009.
The situation in Tuapse on the Black Sea stands out, where the port and oil refinery repeatedly came under attack: resulting in large volumes of oil burning and oil products spilling into the sea. A similar incident occurred in Perm in late April.
Due to the drone threat, the authorities were even forced to change the format of Victory Day celebrations in Moscow. The parade will be shortened, will take place without military equipment, and will last less than the usual time. Additionally, access to the stands will be restricted — for example, State Duma deputies will not be allowed there.
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