Archive · 22 May 2025
Russia Appoints Mariupol Siege Commander as Ground Forces Chief
Russia has chosen General Andrey Mordvichev to lead its ground forces.
He's the person who was in charge during the siege of Mariupol.
He's been praised for his skills as a military leader.
Before his new job, he helped take over Avdiivka.
Ukraine views him as a war criminal due to the atrocities committed during the siege.
He's been in the Russian army since 1997 and has held numerous commanding positions.
Mordvichev is taking over from Oleg Salyukov.
Salyukov has been given a new job in an advisory role to Putin.
General Andrey Mordvichev, key commander of the Mariupol siege, has been appointed as head of Russian ground forces.
Mordvichev is described as an experienced combat officer who demonstrated his talent during the Ukraine offensive.
He previously led the capture of Avdiivka, an industrial town in eastern Ukraine.
Ukrainian SBU sees Mordvichev as a war criminal, accusing him of atrocities.
Mordvichev's predecessor, Oleg Salyukov, was removed and appointed deputy secretary of Russia's Security Council.
- Who
- General Andrey Mordvichev
- What
- Appointment as Head of Russian Ground Forces.
- When
- Recently.
- Where
- Russia
- Why
- To lead the ground forces.
Russia's Perspective
Ukraine's Perspective
Mordvichev's Role
Russia's Perspective
Mordvichev is a talented commander and has demonstrated military skills.
Ukraine's Perspective
Mordvichev is accused of committing atrocities against civilians and soldiers during the siege of Mariupol and the capture of Avdiivka.
- New Position
- Head of Russian Ground Forces
- Appointed By
- Russia
- Predecessor
- Oleg Salyukov
- Age
- 49
- Previous Role
- Commander of Mariupol Siege
- Notable Actions
- Led capture of Avdiivka in February 2024