According to information from Newsweek, Russian dictator Vladimir Putin intends to appoint Lieutenant General Alexander Lapin as the commander of his Leningrad Military District in order to strengthen Russia’s defense against NATO.
Lapin is considered the most likely candidate for the position, but his appointment has not been officially announced yet.
Putin’s decision comes in the context of his previous decree in February 2024 to officially restore the Leningrad Military District and the Moscow Military District. The Leningrad Military District received a larger part of the territory that previously belonged to the Russian Northern Fleet.
This decision is seen by experts as preparation for a possible large-scale invasion of NATO countries.
Lapin has previously held leadership positions in the Russian armed forces, including commanding the Central Military District of Russia. However, his actions in the Kharkiv region have led to his negative reputation, and he has even been included in the Kremlin’s list of «undesirables.»
According to British intelligence disclosures, Moscow’s plans to create two new armies may face a shortage of new equipment and infrastructure problems, but the number of soldiers is sufficient.
