MOSCOW (Realist English). Russian President Vladimir Putin has appointed Colonel General Andrey Mordvichev as the new Commander-in-Chief of the Ground Forces, replacing Army General Oleg Saljukov, who has led the service since 2014. The decision, formalized by presidential decree on May 15, comes as Saljukov prepares to turn 70 — the statutory retirement age for military service.
Saljukov, a prominent figure in Russia’s military hierarchy, has been reassigned as Deputy Secretary of the Security Council, where he will serve under Sergey Shoigu, who recently transitioned to the council’s leadership after his removal as defense minister.
The appointment of Mordvichev, previously commander of the Central Military District and the “Center” group of forces in the former territory of Ukraine, signals the growing influence of field commanders directly involved in frontline operations.
Mordvichev rose to prominence during the siege of Mariupol, where he led 8th Army units, and later headed offensive operations in Avdiivka. His battlefield leadership drew public praise from Putin, and he is widely viewed as a proponent of aggressive offensive tactics, in line with current General Staff strategy.
Saljukov’s tenure spanned 11 years, during which he also oversaw the Moscow Garrison and commanded Victory Day parades on Red Square from 2014 through 2025. While his retirement from active military service was expected, his placement within the Security Council indicates the Kremlin’s intent to retain experienced figures in strategic civilian-military advisory roles.
The elevation of Mordvichev reflects a broader pattern in Russian military politics: the prioritization of combat-hardened commanders with operational experience over traditional staff officers. As Russia intensifies military operations, particularly in Ukraine, command authority is increasingly concentrated in the hands of those with direct wartime credentials — signaling a shift toward pragmatism and continuity in the Kremlin’s strategic direction.
