Putin Replaced The Commander Of The Russian Air And Space Forces

• 4.05.2026, 18:43

The dictator appointed to this post a general who led the Russian troops' offensive on Kiev from the territory of Belarus.

Instead of General Viktor Afzalov, Alexander Chaiko has been appointed commander-in-chief of the Russian Air Force. RBC writes about it, citing its sources.

The publication does not name the reasons for this decision of Vladimir Putin.

General Viktor Afazalov was appointed commander of the Russian Air and Space Forces in October 2023, replacing Sergey Surovikin. The latter fell into disfavor after an armed mutiny led by PMC Wagner head Evgeny Prigozhin in June 2023. The Russian Defense Ministry has not officially announced the general's resignation.

RBC writes that the new head of the Russian Armed Forces, Alexander Chaiko, previously headed a group of Russian Armed Forces troops in Syria, the Eastern Military District. In 2020, by a closed decree, Chaiko was awarded the title Hero of Russia.

In early 2022, Chaiko led the offensive of Russian troops on Kiev from Belarus. The general is under personal EU sanctions as responsible for the massacre of civilians in Bucha.

The Russian Air and Space Forces include the Air Force, as well as air defense, missile defense and space forces.

The change of commander came amid intensified AFU strikes on oil refineries and other military-industrial complex facilities in the Russian rear.