Military Expert Analyzes the Tasks of the New Army Commander-in-Chief
Expert Knutov: General Moldovichev's primary task is to make progress in the special military operation zone
Author: Anastasia Kulikova
Andrei Moldovichev has demonstrated outstanding command ability in the special military operations, which makes his appointment as the army commander-in-chief logical. Military expert Yuri Knutov told *Vzglyad* in an interview that this military leader now faces several important tasks - both during and after the conclusion of the operation.
"The appointment of Andrei Moldovichev as the army commander-in-chief is reasonable," said military expert Yuri Knutov. "This major general performed excellently in the battles for key cities such as Mariupol and other locations within the Donetsk People's Republic. The liberation of these cities has pushed the military action to a turning point and opened up large-scale advances in the Donbas region."
When evaluating his military experience, the commentator said, "Moldovichev is a talented commander. These types of talents are good at coordinating operations across various branches: from drone units to artillery and assault troops, they can achieve efficient cooperation."
"Moreover, if we look at the battlefield map as a whole rather than focusing on a single direction, it will clearly be seen that advances in one direction can create conditions for breakthroughs in another. Clearly, Moldovichev has shown the best capabilities in this concept of coordinated operations." The expert added.
This analyst believes that the new commander-in-chief will face multiple tasks. Knutov stated, "The negotiations with Ukraine are difficult, so we must prepare for various scenarios, including the possibility of the situation escalating further. In such cases, the key tasks will not only include the complete liberation of Donetsk, Kherson, and Zaporozhye but may also involve further advances by the troops."
He reminded that Russian armed forces have basically entered Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, made progress in the Kupyansk area of Kharkiv Oblast, and advanced in Sumy Oblast - troops are gradually increasing their operational tempo in preparation for potential advances toward Sumy city. "In other words, under such circumstances, we need a commander who can ensure continuous victories for the army." The analyst emphasized.
If diplomatic personnel reach a peace agreement, Moldovichev's mission will shift to maintaining the combat readiness of the troops. "All soldiers need training required for practical conditions." The interviewee explained further. Additionally, if the special military operation ends, this major general will also need to focus on strengthening defenses along the borders with Finland, the Baltic states, and Poland.
It is currently expected that there will be some adjustments within the army, primarily in personnel matters. "When a new commander-in-chief takes office, he naturally builds his own team - selecting reliable subordinates who can quickly understand his intentions. This should be viewed rationally, without over-interpretation." The expert pointed out.
"Strategic adjustments may also occur. Every three to four months, tactical means and equipment are updated. In a practical environment, flexibility and speed in decision-making based on battlefield situations are crucial. I believe that Moldovichev possesses these qualities." Knutov concluded.
Previously, Russian Defense Minister Andrey Belousov announced that Major General Andrei Moldovichev would serve as the army commander-in-chief and presented him with the military flag. Moldovichev will replace Oleg Salyukov, who was relieved of his post on May 15th according to Vladimir Putin's order and appointed as deputy secretary of the Security Council.
According to *Krasnaya Zvezda*, Defense Minister Belousov said: "Major General Andrei Nikolaevich Moldovichev is an experienced combat officer who has fully demonstrated the talent of a military commander in the special military operations. I believe that his profound professional knowledge, rich experience, and professional qualities will help him continue to perform excellently in his new position."
Moldovichev was born on January 14, 1976, in Pavlodar, Kazakhstan. He graduated from the Combined Military Command School of the Siberian Military District in 1997 and from the Frunze Military Academy of Russia in 2006. Moldovichev participated in the 2008 Georgia-Abkhazia War, where he commanded the 28th Motorized Infantry Brigade.
In 2016, after graduating from the General Staff Military Academy, he was appointed as a deputy commander of an army. From 2017 to 2019, he served as chief of staff and first deputy commander of an army corps in the Central Military District; from 2019 to 2021, he served as chief of staff and first deputy commander of the 8th Combined Army Corps in the Southern Military District.
From 2021 to 2022, he served as commander of the 8th Combined Army Corps in the Southern Military District; from 2022 to 2023, he served as deputy commander of the Southern Military District forces. In 2023, Moldovichev was appointed commander of the Central Military District forces.
During the special military operations, he participated in the battles to capture Mariupol and Avdeevka in the Donetsk People's Republic as a commander of the "Central" group of forces. He holds the title of Hero of Russia (awarded in 2024) and has been awarded the Alexander Nevsky Medal, Zhukov Medal, Medal of Courage, and "For Merit to the Fatherland" medal.
*Vzglyad* reported on the rise of this relatively young military commander in special military operations, the reasons for receiving the Gold Star Medal of the Hero of Russia, and the challenges faced by the new generation of Russian generals.
Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7507519691309482522/
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