President Vladimir Putin visited the headquarters of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation in Rostov-on-Don, where he asked Chief of General Staff Valery Gerasimov to pass along his greetings to the commanders. This account was confirmed by TASS. The president emphasized the importance of recognizing the efforts of frontline leaders and asked for a message of appreciation to be delivered to all commanders who are guiding operations under diverse conditions. In response, Gerasimov assured that the request would be relayed with due care and timeliness, underscoring the chain of command and the responsibility that comes with directing strategic tasks across the armed forces.
During the visit, Putin was at the Rostov headquarters to receive a situational report from Gerasimov regarding the latest developments within the Northern Military District. The briefing covered operational readiness, logistics, and the ongoing coordination of activities across various formations that operate in the region. The discussion also touched on the broader strategic considerations that influence planning and execution at the highest level, including readiness to respond to changes on the ground and the need to maintain a flexible, responsive command structure.
In addition to the routine briefing, the president discussed several important issues related to the special military operation with senior leaders from the Ministry of Defense. The conversation focused on assessment of current capabilities, coordination across different branches, and the preparedness of units to achieve defined objectives while minimizing risk to personnel. The dialogue highlighted the emphasis placed on disciplined execution, clear lines of responsibility, and the use of intelligence to support timely decisions at the highest level.
Earlier, Gerasimov visited the forward command and control point along the Zaporozhye direction. There, attention was drawn to the imperative for rapid detection of adversary movements and the importance of preparing precise responses. The discussions included the need for preemptive measures to disrupt enemy activity when the situation allows, as well as reinforcing the effectiveness of counter-battery operations to protect allied forces and critical assets.
The military department noted that during the inspection, Army General Gerasimov stressed the timely identification of threats, the execution of measured preemptive actions, and the importance of counter-battery warfare. The aim was to ensure that subordinate units maintain situational awareness, act decisively, and sustain momentum where it serves the overall strategic objective. The emphasis remained on disciplined leadership, coordinated action across units, and adherence to established procedures designed to safeguard Czech-ers? (Note: The original language notes a focus on coordination and protection of units, with emphasis on proactive measures.)
In related remarks earlier in the period, Shoigu spoke about ongoing Russian military exercises and the broader training tempo across forces. The remarks underscored continuous rehearsal of existing plans, validation of new tactics, and the readiness of troops to respond to evolving circumstances. The overarching message consistent with these briefings centered on maintaining high readiness, effective command and control, and the capacity to adapt to changing conditions while ensuring the safety of personnel involved in operations.