Russia appoints Col. Gen. Mordvichev as new Ground Forces commander

Colonel General Andrei Mordvichev has been appointed commander-in-chief of the Russian Ground Forces, state newspaper Krasnaya Zvezda reported on Thursday.

Defense Minister Andrei Belousov presented Mordvichev with the official standard for the position, according to the report.

Mordvichev previously headed Russia’s Central Military District and the “Center” troop group. His military career includes serving in various commands across Russia, including leading the 8th Combined Arms Army of the Southern Military District from 2021 to 2022.

In spring 2022, he oversaw Russian operations during the capture of Mariupol, including the assault on the Azovstal steel plant where Ukrainian troops and civilians were sheltering. The army under his command has been linked to alleged war crimes during the siege.

He replaces Army General Oleg Salyukov, who was appointed by President Vladimir Putin as deputy secretary of Russia’s Security Council.