Meeting with Defence Ministry leadership

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Comrades, good afternoon.

As you are aware, we continue to refine the structure of the Defence Ministry in response to the demands and lessons of the special military operation.

You will also be aware that a decision was recently taken to consolidate all arms-related matters - including the functions of both procurement and supply agencies - under a single post. This work within the Ministry is being led by Deputy Minister Alexander Sanchik, who until recently served with distinction as commander of one of our groups of forces.

At the suggestion of the Defence Minister, a further decision has been made to consolidate all logistics services under a single position. I would emphasise that, in today's environment, this is very much a combat assignment. I have appointed Valery Solodchuk to this role, and that is my decision.

Mr Solodchuk, I mentioned at the outset that Alexander Sanchik was only recently appointed to the post of Deputy Minister. He is a combat officer, much like yourself, with a solid record as a commander who skilfully led troops on the ground. Now he is taking on a different set of responsibilities.

But I would also like to address you, Mr Solodchuk. We know each other well, and you are without question one of the most talented commanders serving today. I described leading logistics services as a combat role for a reason. I have every confidence that you will bring your best organisational abilities to bear here. Moreover, no one knows better than the commanders on the ground, district and group commanders like yourself, what our troops, our soldiers, and our officers actually need at this moment. We will discuss that separately.

To be continued.