Alexander Chaiko Appointed Head of Russian Aerospace Forces
Vladimir Putin has named Colonel General Alexander Chaiko as the new commander-in-chief of Russia's Aerospace Forces (VKS). Chaiko replaces Viktor Afzalov, who had led the branch since October 2023. This appointment comes amid Chaiko's involvement in military operations in Ukraine, where he is named in charges brought by the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) and is subject to European Union sanctions. The reshuffle signals Moscow's continued reliance on senior officers tied to controversial actions during the war.
Background of Alexander Chaiko
Born on July 27, 1971, in Golitsyno, Moscow Oblast, Chaiko graduated from the Moscow Suvorov Military School and the Moscow Higher Combined Arms Command School. Between 1999 and 2001, he studied at the Combined Arms Academy of the Russian Armed Forces. Over his career, he has commanded:
- The 27th Separate Guards Motor Rifle Brigade;
- The 2nd Guards Tamanskaya Motor Rifle Division.
Chaiko is also noted for his role during the occupation of Bucha. In September 2022, the SBU sent an indictment against him to court. He led the occupation group "East" and, during the invasion of Bucha, set up his headquarters in a seized kindergarten in the village of Zdvizhivka in the Bucha district. At the stadium of a local school, he awarded subordinates for committing war crimes in the Kyiv region, as stated by the Security Service of Ukraine:
“To avoid fire damage during the counteroffensive of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the Russian general set up his headquarters in a seized kindergarten in the village of Zdvizhivka in the Bucha district. And at the stadium of one of the local schools, he awarded his subordinates for committing war crimes in the Kyiv region.” - Security Service of Ukraine
In March of this year, the Council of the European Union imposed sanctions on nine individuals for war crimes during the occupation of Bucha, including Alexander Chaiko. His activities in the occupied territories have drawn significant international condemnation and scrutiny.
As a result, Chaiko's appointment as commander-in-chief of Russia's Aerospace Forces comes amid serious allegations and existing sanctions, highlighting his active role in military conflicts in Ukraine.
The selection of a new leader for Russia's Aerospace Forces underscores the Kremlin's ongoing military engagement in Ukraine and its continued backing of commanders with contentious records. This move risks further straining Russia's relations with the international community, given Chaiko's prior sanctions related to war crimes.
As Russia navigates ongoing military challenges, the recent appointment of General Chaiko reflects a broader trend of leadership changes linked to contentious operations. This shift in command parallels other Kremlin decisions that have raised concerns internationally, particularly regarding its influence in neighboring regions. To understand the implications of these developments, explore how the Kremlin's setbacks in Moldova and Hungary have contributed to significant personnel changes within its ranks. Learn more about the dismissal of the head of Rossotrudnichestvo.