The Russian Defense Ministry has replaced the commanders of three military districts, according to the department's website.

Thus, Lieutenant General Andrei Mordvichev has been appointed commander of the troops of the Central Military District (CFD). Colonel General Alexander Lapin previously held this post.

Colonel General Sergei Kuzovlev was appointed commander of the Southern Military District (South Military District), and Lieutenant General Yevgeny Nikiforov - of the Western Military District (West Military District).

Lieutenant General Rustam Muradov has been the commander of the Eastern Military District (VVO) since October 2022.

All in all, Russia is divided into five military districts - Western, Central, Eastern, Southern and Northern, RIA Novosti reported. 

In January, Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu also announced the creation of two inter-service strategic territorial associations of the armed forces - the Moscow and Leningrad ones. According to him, this is necessary because of NATO's desire to build up its military potential near Russia's borders, including at the expense of Finland and Sweden.