Iran Press/ Europe: The appointment comes as Russian forces have completely withdrawn from positions in the north of Ukraine, around Kyiv and Chernihiv, after failing to take the Ukrainian capital.
The troops have moved into Belarus and western Russia to be refitted with weapons and supplies in preparation for an offensive in eastern Ukraine, according to The Hill.
Dvornikov, commander of Russia’s southern military district, has significant combat experience in Syria, where he commanded Russian forces for a year beginning in 2015.
Alexander Dvornikov is one of Vladimir Putin's favorite generals and has been handed the task of refocusing Russia's military campaign in Ukraine; his appointment sparked speculations that the war will enter a new phase in the Donbas.
The Kremlin has not commented on Dvornikov's promotion.
Dvornikov has also been given the responsibility of overseeing the Black Sea and the Crimean peninsula, which was seized by Russia in 2014. Analysts believe Putin wants to create a land corridor between Russia and Crimea - something that heavy Ukrainian resistance is preventing, according to Britain's Ministry of Defence today.
Reports have suggested Putin wants his forces to have seized enough of Ukraine by May 9 for him to declare victory on the Russian anniversary of Nazi Germany surrendering in 1945, and thus ending the Second World War in Europe.
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