Russian Defense Chief Issues New Orders to Troops in Special Operation Zone

Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov inspected the Center group of forces operating in the zone of the special military operation (SMO) in Ukraine, the Defense Ministry said on its Telegram channel.

The defense minister's visit to the command post of the group took place a few days after the first round of negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, which were held on Friday, March 16, in Istanbul.

Staff officers and Colonel General Valery Solodchuk, commander of the Central Military District, briefed Belousov on the current situation. In particular, the minister was informed about the use of drones in the SMO zone. Following the meeting, Belousov assigned several new tasks to the personnel of the group, though the details were not disclosed.

Additionally, the defense minister presented state awards to distinguished service members of the group who had demonstrated bravery, courage, and heroism in combat.

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Andrey Removich Belousov (born 17 March 1959) is a Russian politician and economist, serving as the Minister of Defence since May 2024. From January 2020 to May 2024, he served as First Deputy Prime Minister of Russia. Previously, he was an Aide to the President of Russia and Minister of Economic Development. Belousov has the federal state civilian service rank of 1st class Active State Councillor of the Russian Federation.