Russia has appointed a new leader for its “North” military grouping, as confirmed by the Defense Ministry on Thursday. This change in command was previously reported, with the unit responsible for safeguarding border areas against incursions from Ukraine.

The announcement occurred during a visit by Defense Minister Andrei Belousov to the military grouping, where the newly appointed commander, Colonel General Yevgeny Nikiforov, presented plans to enhance troop capabilities with advanced weaponry.

State media broadcast footage of Nikiforov alongside Belousov, during which military officers showcased drones and other technology, followed by a ceremony where medals were awarded.

The “North” grouping was established in early 2024 in response to a sudden Ukrainian incursion into the Kursk region that took place in August of that year. According to Russian military bloggers, its main goal is to engage Ukrainian forces in the Sumy and Kharkiv regions while planning incremental advances toward Sumy city.

Before this appointment, Nikiforov led the Western Military District from January 2023 until it was disbanded in February 2024, and he had a brief command of Russian forces in Syria in 2021. He takes over from Colonel General Alexander Lapin, who reportedly resigned earlier this month due to health issues, as stated by pro-war bloggers.

Lapin, who was in charge of the “Center” grouping during Ukraine’s recapture of the city of Lyman in Donetsk region in 2022, faced significant criticism from Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov and the late Wagner commander Yevgeny Prigozhin. He subsequently became the chief of staff of Russia’s Ground Forces in 2023.