GORKI. June 22 (Interfax) - Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has said that he has appointed Sergei Karakayev as the commander of the Strategic Missile Troops (RVSN). Prior to the appointment Karakayev served as the RVSN chief of staff.
"This is a serious position because the work of the RVSN commander is crucial to the country's nuclear shield," Medvedev said at a meeting with Defense Minister Anatoly Serdyukov and the new RVSN commander.
"I hope you will do everything in your power to use your expertise and experience for the welfare of our country," the Russian commander- in-chief told Karakayev.
"Although we are cutting our nuclear arsenal, our combat ability must not be affected under the current treaty and the one due to be ratified (on strategic arms reductions)," the president said.
"Everything must be done to ensure that the RVSN are in full combat readiness and capable of completing their mission," Medvedev said.