Vyacheslav Borisov


Vyacheslav Nikolaevich Borisov is a Russian major-general of the 2008 South Ossetian War.

Early life and career

Borisov was born in Ruza, near Moscow, during the rule of the Soviet Union. He joined the Soviet Military in 1976, when he graduated from the Ryazan Higher Airborne College and was commissioned into the airborne forces. A good officer, he rose through the ranks and in 1990 he graduated from the elite M. V. Frunze Military Academy. From 1991-1995, he was commander of the 11th Separate Airborne Brigade in Ulan-Ude, the Transbaikal Military District. Later after promotion to General officer rank, he commanded the 2nd Motor Rifle Division in the Moscow Military District.

Commands in Georgia

In 1998, he graduated from the General Staff Academy and was appointed the commander of the 12th Russian Military Base in Batumi, Georgia's Autonomous Republic of Adjara. In 2003, he became Deputy Commander for Airborne Training. Sometime before 2008, he became commander of the 76th Airborne Division, and he would lead this into war.

2008 South Ossetian War

As a division commander, his division was sent from its garrison in Pskov to reinforce 58th Army, and took part in the Battle of Tskhinvali. After the successful conclusion of the battle, his force moved further and occupied Gori. He was the commander of Russian military forces during the occupation of Gori. In the absence of civilian government, he was the de facto governor in the region.
On 6 June 2009, Borisov in an interview with Moscow-based radio Ekho Moskvy said that the reason why his division performed well in the 2008 South Ossetia War was that "a week before the war they held military exercises exactly there, in those places".

Personal life

General Borisov is married and has two sons. He is also a Christian.