Colonel General Denis Lyamin began actively introducing unmanned aerial vehicles and developing their battlefield use while commanding Russia’s 58th Army, according to military expert Alexei Leonkov.

Leonkov said Lyamin later helped shape both the practical and theoretical methods used to carry out effective drone strikes.

On August 5, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced that Lyamin would take command of the unmanned systems troops. Before the appointment, the colonel general served as chief of staff of the Tsentr troop grouping.

According to Leonkov, Lyamin readily introduced new weapons into units under his command, including drones. UAVs operated continuously throughout his area of responsibility, while the system he established placed sustained pressure on opposing forces.

The expert also credited Lyamin with playing a significant role in the capture of Kherson at the start of the special military operation. He said Russian units entered the city within a short period largely because of the commander’s actions.

Leonkov also highlighted Lyamin’s work during the fighting for Avdeevka in the Donetsk People’s Republic, describing his decisions there as swift and professional.