Commander of Russia's Western Military District, units of which are deployed in Crimea. He is responsible for part of the Russian military presence in Crimea which is undermining the sovereignty of the Ukraine and assisted the Crimean authorities in preventing public demonstrations against moves towards a referendum and incorporation into Russia.
Ta on vastutav Krimmis viibivate Venemaa relvajõudude selle osa eest, mis õõnestab Ukraina suveräänsust, ja abistas Krimmi ametivõime referendumi ettevalmistuste ja Venemaa koosseisu arvamise vastaste avalike meeleavalduste takistamisel.