Russian President Vladimir Putin has dismissed the commander of Russia’s Aerospace Forces, according to a report by RBC citing an internal source.

General Viktor Afzalov, who had led the Aerospace Forces since 2023, has been replaced by Colonel-General Alexander Tchaikovsky. Tchaikovsky previously commanded Russian operations in Syria during the late 2010s and has led the Eastern Military District since 2021.

According to The Moscow Times, the European Union has linked Tchaikovsky to alleged war crimes in Bucha. He reportedly commanded units accused of mass civilian killings near Kyiv. As a result, the European Union imposed personal sanctions on him on March 16, 2026. He has also been awarded the title “Hero of Russia.”

Leadership Shake-Up Follows Drone Attack Failures

The leadership change comes after a series of drone attacks that exposed weaknesses in Russia’s air defense and missile protection systems.

In late March, drone strikes targeted major Russian oil export ports in the Baltic Sea, disrupting shipments. Throughout April, more than 20 attacks hit energy infrastructure across the country, including at least nine oil refineries—several of which were forced to shut down operations.

On the night of May 4, an explosion was reported in Moscow, just a few kilometers from the Kremlin, during another drone attack. Local Telegram channels claimed that a drone struck an apartment building near Mosfilmovskaya Street, while residents in the surrounding region reported sightings of drones flying overhead.

Scaled-Down Victory Day Parade

This year’s May 9 Victory Day parade on Red Square will be significantly reduced in scale. Unlike previous years, the event will reportedly feature no heavy military equipment and only a single infantry unit. Attendance will also be limited to a few hundred guests, and the ceremony is expected to last less than an hour.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned that Ukrainian drones could potentially appear over Moscow during the parade, adding that Russia’s military strength has declined compared to previous years.