Alexander Sanchik

Commander of the Southern Military District of the Russian Federation

The Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation has established comprehensive control over security matters in Abkhazia and the Tskhinvali region. In this context, the Southern Military District (SMD) of the Russian Federation plays a pivotal role. The SMD encompasses both the 7th Russian military base, located in Abkhazia, and the 4th Russian military base, stationed in the Tskhinvali region. In addition to these military bases, the Kremlin’s interests in both territories are safeguarded by the Border Directorate of the Federal Security Service of Russia, which operates under the direct operational command of the SMD.

General Biographical Information

• Alexander Sanchik was born on October 15, 1966 in Moscow, Russian SFSR, Soviet Union.
• In 1985-1989 he studied at the Tashkent Higher Tank Command School.
• In 2000 he graduated from the Combined Arms Academy of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation.
• In 2017 he graduated from the Military Academy of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation.
• By a Russian presidential decree of December 9, 2024, he was awarded the rank of Colonel General.
• He is subject to sanctions imposed by the European Union, the United Kingdom, Canada and several other countries for his participation in Russia's military aggression in Ukraine.

Military Career

•  In 2013-2014 - commander of the 27th Separate Guards Motor Rifle Brigade.
• In 2014-2015 - commander of the 2nd Guards Motor Rifle Division.
• In 2017-2020 - deputy commander of the 58th Guards Combined Arms Army of the Southern Military District.
• In 2020-2023 - commander of the 35th Combined Arms Army of the Eastern Military District stationed in the Amur region and Khabarovsk Krai. During this period, he held the rank of Major General. He was nominated for this position on October 6, 2020. He replaced Major General Sergey Chebotarev in this position.
• In 2023 - first deputy commander of the Eastern Military District.
• On May 15, 2024, he was appointed acting commander of the Eastern Military District. During this period, he held the rank of Lieutenant General.
• On November 26, 2024, he was appointed acting commander of the Russian Sourh Forces Group in Ukraine. At that time he held the rank of Lieutenant General.
• Since January 2025, he has been the commander of the Southern Military District.