MOSCOW, February 23, 2004. (RIA Novosti) - On the occasion of the Fatherland Defender's Day, which is celebrated on February 23, a number of Russian military commanders were given new ranks, the Russian Defense Ministry disclosed to RIA Novosti.
"58 Commanders were given new ranks from General-Lieutenant to General," a source in the Defense Ministry said.
In particular the rank of General was given to Commander of Russian Air Forces Vladimir Mikhailov and to Commander of the Moscow Military district army Ivan Efremov.
Other Commanders received ranks from General-Major to General-Lieutenant.
According to the Russian Defense Ministry, the total amount of Generals in Russia did not change and is estimated at approximately 1,200 people.
