Shoigu announces changes in Southern Military District leadership

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said at a teleconference at the Russian National Defense Control Center that Colonel General Alexander Dvornikov, who was the commander of the Russian troops group in Syria, has been appointed commander of forces of the Southern Military District of Russia and the former commander, Colonel General Alexander Galkin, will continue service in the Russian Defense Ministry’s central staff.

"Colonel General Dvornikov Alexander Vladimirovch has been appointed commander of the Southern Military District troops. You all know him very well. He is a battle-hardened general, an experienced leader and skilled professional. I wish him success on this high and responsible position," TASS cited Shoigu as saying.

"Alexander Viktorovich Galkin will continue service in the central staff of the Defense Ministry," the minister said.