The media learned about the appointment of Colonel General Afzalov as commander of the Russian Aerospace Forces

Colonel General Viktor Afzalov has been appointed to the post of Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Aerospace Forces (VKS). About it reports RIA Novosti, citing a source familiar with the situation.

The agency’s interlocutor noted that before this Afzalov was acting commander of the Aerospace Forces. Afzalov also announced his new appointment TASS with reference to sources.

Previously, the position of Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Aerospace Forces was held by General Sergei Surovikin. At the end of August, RIA Novosti and RBC reported about his resignation. RIA Novosti claimed that Afzalov was appointed acting in this position. Later State Duma deputy, retired Colonel General Viktor Zavarzin reportedthat Surovikin was found another “good” position. According to the source RBCafter being removed from the post of commander-in-chief of the Aerospace Forces, the general also ceased to be deputy commander of the special operation in Ukraine.

Surovikin has not appeared in public for more than two months since June 23. The New York Times wrote that he allegedly knew in advance about the plans of the founder of the Wagner PMC, Yevgeny Prigozhin, to organize an armed rebellion. It was also reported about the possible arrest of Surovikin. On September 4, journalist Ksenia Sobchak published a photo on her Telegram channel, which, according to her, shows Surovikin with his wife. In the Kremlin comment on the situation around the general refused.

Viktor Afzalov is 55 years old. He became the chief of the main staff – first deputy commander-in-chief of the Aerospace Forces of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation in 2018, wrote “Kommersant”. Before that, he was the commander of the Air Force and Air Defense of the Eastern Military District. He was awarded the rank of Colonel General in 2022.