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Finance

Former commander of troops in Syria named to head Russian aerospace troops

Published by Global Banking & Finance Review

Posted on June 10, 2026

1 min read

· Last updated: June 10, 2026

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Former Syria Troop Commander Appointed Leader of Russian Aerospace Forces

Appointment of Lieutenant-General Alexander Chaiko

Background of the Appointment

June 10 (Reuters) - A former commander of Russian troops in Syria was named to head the country's aerospace forces, the Russian Defence Ministry said on Wednesday.

Official Statement and Presidential Decree

A ministry statement said Lieutenant-General Alexander Chaiko had been appointed to the position last month by virtue of a decree issued by President Vladimir Putin.

Previous Roles and Experience

He had previously served as deputy head of the chief of staff of the armed forces.

Military Service in Syria and Other Regions

Leadership in Syria

The ministry said Chaiko had headed for nearly a year the group of Russian forces in Syria deployed from 2015 at the behest of former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, who was granted asylum in Russia after being ousted from power.

Command in Eastern District

Chaiko had also headed Russian forces in the country's eastern district.

Reporting and Editing

(Reporting by ReutersEditing by Bill Berkrot)

Key Takeaways

  • Chayko has commanded Russia’s military grouping in Syria multiple times (2019–2021, 2022, 2024) and previously led the Eastern Military District, underscoring his operational and ground‑force credentials (en.wikipedia.org).
  • Despite lacking an air‑force background, Chayko’s appointment signals a shift toward politically loyal leadership, as he is considered close to General Staff Chief Gerasimov; the role traditionally demands air or space expertise (jamestown.org).
  • His elevation to lead the VKS was controversial internationally: the EU sanctioned him in March 2026 for alleged responsibility for atrocities in Bucha, and media noted that the appointment came amid criticism of Russian air‑defense failures (meduza.io).

References

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was appointed as head of Russia's aerospace forces?
Lieutenant-General Alexander Chaiko was named as the new head of the Russian aerospace forces.
Who appointed Lieutenant-General Alexander Chaiko?
He was appointed by a decree issued by President Vladimir Putin.
What is Alexander Chaiko's previous experience?
He commanded Russian troops in Syria and served as deputy head of the armed forces’ chief of staff.
Why is Alexander Chaiko's role in Syria significant?
Chaiko led Russian forces in Syria for nearly a year following their deployment in 2015.
When was Chaiko appointed as head of the aerospace forces?
He was appointed last month, according to the Defence Ministry statement.

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