Putin appointed 47-year-old tank general Denis Lyamin as commander…

Putin appointed 47-year-old tank general Denis Lyamin as commander of the Russian Aerospace Forces' Unmanned Systems Forces (VBS).

Consensus

Vladimir Putin announced on August 5, 2025, the appointment of Denis Lyamin as the future commander of the Russian Drone Troops.
Lyamin was previously the chief of staff of the 'Center' group of forces.
The creation of the Drone Troops was officially announced in November 2025.
Putin described Lyamin as one of the most qualified specialists in this field.
The task of completing the formation of the new branch of troops was assigned to Lyamin.

Putin acknowledged that the formation of the Drone Troops had not yet been completed, and one of the main tasks for the new commander would be to finish it. — meduza
In December 2025, media sources reported that Yuri Vaganov, a businessman from Moscow Oblast known as 'Yura Unitaz,' was expected to lead the Drone Troops, though it is unclear if he was officially appointed. — meduza
Valeriy Solodchuk, previously leading the 'Center' grouping, was appointed to oversee all logistics services in the Ministry of Defense, and was accused of involvement in the killings of civilians in Bucha in 2022. — meduza
Andrey Ivanayev was appointed to lead the 'East' grouping, and Pyotr Bolgarov was appointed acting chief of staff of the 'East' grouping. — meduza
The total number of military personnel in the Russian Armed Forces was increased by 27,000, with recruits assigned to military construction units for building military and social infrastructure. — vm
The draft target set by Putin was fully met, with 135,000 people conscripted for military service. — vm
Putin emphasized that the creation of the Drone Troops involved training specialists, establishing production, and supplying modern equipment to enhance combat readiness. — vedomosti
The Drone Troops were officially created in November 2025. — vesti