Vladimir Putin reshuffles Russian military leadership amid Ukraine war

President Vladimir Putin announced a major reorganisation of Russia's senior military command during a government meeting on 5 August. He appointed Lieutenant General Valery Solodchuk as the sole officer responsible for military logistics and weapons supply, promoted Lieutenant General Andrey Ivanaev to Solodchuk's former post, and approved Ivanaev's suggestion to name Lieutenant General Pyotr Bolgarev as his successor. Defence Minister Andrey Belousov and Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov also attended. Additionally, Putin named Lieutenant General Denis Lyamin as commander of the newly created Russian Unmanned Systems Force, slated to become operational in November 2025.

At the same time, both Russia and Ukraine are expanding the use of low‑cost loitering bombs and drones. Russian forces have deployed FAB‑500, FAB‑250 and larger variants launched from Su‑34 fighters, capable of striking targets up to 95 km away with a payload of 250‑3 000 kg. Ukraine has begun producing its own loitering bomb, the Vyrivniuvach, weighing 250 kg. Analysts note that these weapons deliver firepower comparable to expensive missiles at a fraction of the cost, reshaping tactics on the battlefield.