Shoigu Changes Commanders of Southern and Western Military Districts

Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu has appointed new commanders for two military districts. This was reported by RBC, citing sources familiar with the personnel decision as well as sources close to the Ministry of Defense.

General-Lieutenant Sergey Kuzovlev now leads the Southern Military District, according to a source familiar with the personnel decision. This information has been confirmed by a contact of the media outlet close to the Ministry of Defense. Meanwhile, the Western Military District will be headed by General-Lieutenant Evgeny Nikiforov, sources report.

Before these changes, this area was led by Sergey Kuzovlev. According to RBC, Kuzovlev had been appointed commander of the Western Military District on December 13, 2022. From November 2020 to February 2021, he commanded the Russian Armed Forces in Syria, prior to that overseeing units in the Western and Southern Military Districts.

For his part, Nikiforov has been the First Deputy Commander of the Eastern Military District since 2020 and previously served as Deputy Commander of the Western Military District troops.

It was also reported by the military Telegram channel “Rybar” that Sergey Kuzovlev took command of the Southern Military District on the evening of January 23, just before the New Year.