In a surprising move, Russian President Vladimir Putin has ousted his longstanding ally Sergei Shoigu from the position of Defence Minister, a role Shoigu held since 2012. The Kremlin announced that Shoigu, aged 68, will now serve as the secretary of Russia’s Security Council, according to papers published by the upper chamber of the Russian parliament.
Shoigu will be replaced by Deputy Prime Minister Andrei Belousov, an economist with little military experience. The decision, while unexpected by some, is seen as a strategic shift by President Putin to align the Russian economy more closely with the country’s military efforts.
The Kremlin stated that the defence ministry needed to stay “innovative”, hinting at the rationale behind the choice of Belousov, who is perceived as a “hard-line defender of the state” and a supporter of integrating military expenditure into Russia’s overall economy.
Shoigu’s removal comes amidst criticism of his handling of Russia’s military campaigns, particularly the invasion of Ukraine over two years ago. His tenure was marked by public disputes, including a feud with Wagner mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin, who accused Shoigu of incompetence.
Belousov’s appointment as Defence Minister underscores Putin’s focus on reinforcing Russia’s military capabilities amid ongoing conflicts and international tensions. The move reflects the changing priorities of the Kremlin, as the Russian economy remains on a war footing.
President Putin, recently sworn in for his fifth term, continues to consolidate power within his administration, with key cabinet members like veteran Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov retaining their positions amidst the reshuffling.
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