30 Jul 2018 12:46

Western Military District commander Kartapolov appointed Russian deputy defense minister - St. Petersburg governor

ST. PETERSBURG. July 30 (Interfax) - Col. Gen. Andrei Kartapolov, the commander of the forces of the Western Military District, has been appointed Russia's deputy defense minister, St. Petersburg Governor Georgy Poltavchenko said before the city government session on Monday.

Before the session, Kartapolov was decorated with the Order for Merit to St. Petersburg and the Order for Merit to Kronshtadt.

"I believe it's very right when big managers grow in our city. Andrei Valeryevich was appointed deputy defense minister of the Russian Federation by a presidential decree. Unfortunately, he is leaving our city, but he remains its great friend, its associate," Poltavhenko said, referring to Kartapolov's service during his tenure in the Western Military District.

Kartapolov became commander of the district's forces in November 2015. He holds the Order for Military Merit and many medals.