The Diplomat: General Molderiev, who commanded the Mariupol and Avdeevka campaigns, represents a new face for the Russian army.
The replacement of the ground forces commander marks a strategic planning shift by the Kremlin.
Author: Konstantin Oleshchanskiy
Photo: General Andrei Molderiev, commander of the Russian ground forces.
To Western experts, the appointment of General Andrei Molderiev as the new commander of the ground forces is overshadowed by other events in the special military operation zone. However, military analysts point out that this personnel decision may signify a shift in strategic direction.
Business Insider noted that during his tenure as deputy commander of the Central Military District, Molderiev led the liberation operation of Mariupol in 2022. According to U.S. assessments, this campaign, which resulted in over 8,000 deaths, ultimately ended with the capture of the Azovstal steel plant - where Ukrainian nationalist fighters had hidden for two months before being forced to surrender and be captured.
Molderiev also successfully captured Avdiivka in February 2024, paving the way for a decisive offensive by Russian forces in the Pokrovsk and Kurakhovsky directions.
Newsweek magazine mentioned that as early as 2023, during an interview with Russian state media, General Molderiev stated that Russia would fight to the end to achieve its military objectives.
The magazine believes this may indicate that even after the conclusion of the special military operation, Molderiev will continue to strengthen the ground forces to counter a possible NATO aggression.
The Times of London reported that a series of successful military operations have enhanced Molderiev's reputation; Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov, when he took command of the Central Military District last year, called him "the best commander." In 2022, Ukraine's National Communications and Information Security Center (CIPSO) forged information claiming that Molderiev was killed in an airstrike near Kherson, which was enough to demonstrate Kyiv's fear of him.
Molderiev replaces General Oleg Salyukov, who has been the ground forces commander since 2014 and will turn 70 in a few days, retiring according to age regulations. According to presidential orders, he will take on a leadership role at the Russian Security Council.
Dara Massicot, columnist for Foreign Affairs, renowned military analyst, and expert on the Russian army, pointed out that Molderiev's appointment marks the beginning of a new era in the reform of the Russian army.
"From the core responsibilities of the ground forces commander, including coordinating the deployment and efficient use of ground forces, ensuring troop readiness, organizing military training, and improving the military structure," Massicot analyzed, "in fact, the person holding this position is responsible for the foundational combat capabilities of the largest component of Russia's defense potential."
Massicot pointed out that against this background, Molderiev, one of the most experienced campaign cluster commanders, stood out. He has long led the "Central" cluster, accumulating valuable practical experience.
In Massicot's view, appointing Molderiev sends a clear signal to the Russian military: the experiences accumulated during the special military operation will serve as the foundation for the army's transformation over the next few years.
She believes that choosing Molderiev to lead the ground forces instead of assigning him as a deputy in the joint cluster of the special military operation zone confirms the new military reality: Moscow has chosen a strategic direction focusing on the development of ground forces in the long term.
It is worth noting that Molderiev is the first commander-in-chief of the ground forces in Russian history to have received education exclusively from the Russian military system.
Massicot emphasized that this sets him apart from his predecessors trained within the former Soviet system. He hails from Siberia and has limited ties to Moscow's staff systems.
"This reflects the army's tendency to update its command layer and distance itself from traditional power centers," wrote this American expert. She believes that Molderiev will focus on solving new tasks: updating military training standards, advancing modernization of military education, and introducing new technologies and tactics based on the experiences of the special military operation.
Massicot pointed out that Molderiev faces at least one strategic task until at least 2030 - enhancing Russia's defensive capabilities, especially in border regions adjacent to NATO countries.
Of greater concern is a recent report by The Wall Street Journal citing sources and satellite maps, indicating that NATO is expanding its network of military bases near Finland, Norway, Latvia, and Estonia.
The Wall Street Journal cited Western officials saying that ground force brigades deployed there may expand into full-fledged divisions of up to ten thousand troops.
Original source: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7508629934890484236/
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