Vladimir Zarudnitsky

Colonel General Vladimir Borisovich Zarudnitsky (born 6 February 1958) is a Russian military officer who has served as the director of the Russian General Staff Academy since 2017. He was heavily involved in the Second Chechen War and the insurgency in the North Caucasus, becoming the commander of the forces in Chechnya in 2007. He was the chief of the Main Operational Directorate of the General Staff from 2011 to 2014, and commander of the Central Military District from 2014 to 2017.

Early life and career Zarudnitsky was born on 6 February 1958 in Abinsk. After entering the military in 1975, he graduated from the Ordzhonikidze Higher Military Command School in 1979. Between 1979 and 1985, he commanded a platoon and then a company in the Group of Soviet Forces in Germany. Between 1985 and 1987, he was head of an intelligence regiment in the GSFG. In 1989, Zarudnitsky graduated from the Frunze Military Academy. leading it in the Second Chechen War.

Zarudnitsky entered the Military Academy of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Russia, graduating in 2003 with honors. He became commander of the 27th Guards Motor Rifle Division in the Volga–Urals Military District. In January 2005, he became chief of staff and first deputy commander of the 36th Army in the Siberian Military District. In February 2007, he became commander of the army.

In April 2009, Zarudnitsky became chief of staff and first deputy commander of the Moscow Military District.

In March 2011, he became deputy commander of the Southern Military District. On 3 October, he became head of the Main Operational Directorate and deputy chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation.

On 10 December 2013, Zarudnitsky was awarded the Order of Military Merit.

In June 2014, he became commander of the Central Military District.

On 22 November 2017, he was appointed chief of the Military Academy of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Russia.

Personal life Zarudnitsky is married and has a son and a daughter.