In May 2026, Vladimir Putin signed a decree appointing Colonel General Alexander Chaika as the Commander-in-Chief of the Aerospace Forces (VKS) of the Russian Federation. This was reported by RBK-Ukraine citing the ASTRA Telegram channel.
Alexander Chaika's Career
Alexander Chaika is one of the key figures in the modern Russian military hierarchy. Prior to his new appointment, he headed the Eastern Military District of the Russian Federation, where he was responsible for strategic planning and operational management of large troop formations.
Chaika also commanded the Russian grouping in Syria twice: from September 2019 to June 2021, and from May 2022 to June 2025. His experience in international conflicts and coordinating actions between different branches of the armed forces makes him a significant figure for the leadership of the VKS.
Role in the Full-Scale Invasion
Particular attention is drawn to Chaika's involvement in the events of 2022. It was he who directly commanded the Russian offensive on Kyiv, which ended in failure for the Russian Armed Forces. This episode became one of the most discussed moments of the beginning of the full-scale war in Ukraine.
In March 2022, the European Union imposed personal sanctions on Chaika, as well as on eight other commanders of various units of the Russian army. The sanctions were linked to accusations of involvement in the mass murder of civilians in Bucha, Kyiv region.
Consequences for Military Structures
Chaika's appointment as Commander-in-Chief of the VKS comes against a backdrop of increasing cases of the elimination of high-ranking Russian military officials, both within the country and in the combat zone.
In June 2026, a BMW X3 exploded in the Aviatorov district near Moscow, where many officers reside. According to media reports, a Lieutenant General of the Russian army died as a result of the explosion.
Furthermore, in December 2025, an assassination attempt was made on Major General of the Russian Armed Forces Fanil Sarvarov in the Russian capital itself on Yasenevaya Street. A homemade explosive device detonated under the driver's seat when he started moving in his own car.
The highest echelon of occupation forces is also suffering losses directly in the combat zone. For example, Ukrainian drones eliminated Russian commander Naran Ochir-Goryaev, who held the title of "Hero of Russia" and personally reported to Vladimir Putin about the storming of Sievierodonetsk in the Donetsk region.
Significance of the Appointment
The appointment of Alexander Chaika as Commander-in-Chief of the Russian VKS may indicate the Kremlin's desire to strengthen control over the aerospace forces and ensure more effective interaction between different branches of the armed forces. However, his past experience, especially in the context of the failed offensive on Kyiv, raises questions about how successfully he will be able to cope with new tasks.
The international community and human rights defenders continue to monitor the actions of Chaika and other Russian officers accused of war crimes. Sanctions and pressure from Western countries remain important tools in the fight against Russian aggression.