Russian President Vladimir Putin has proposed dismissing his Defense Minister, Sergei Shoigu, more than two years after the war in Ukraine and an ally of the leader for 12 years, as reported on Sunday by the Upper House of Parliament. He proposes as a substitute Andrei Belousovformer deputy prime minister.
Putin wants Shoigu to become secretary of the Russian Security Council replacing the current Nikolai Patrushev, so that he also has responsibilities in the military-industrial complex. Valery Gerasimovchief of the Russian General Staff, will remain in his position as will Sergey Lavrovthe country’s veteran foreign minister.
The changes, which will surely be approved by parliamentarians, They are the most important that Putin has made in military command since the war began in February 2022 in the so-called ‘Special Military Operation’.
Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu chairs a meeting with the leaders of the Armed Forces in Moscow,
The restructuring gives Shoigu a position that is technically considered superior to his role in the Ministry of Defense, which guarantees continuity. Valery Gerasimov, chief of Russia’s General Staff and someone with a more hands-on role in directing the war, will remain in office.
Sergei Lavrov, the country’s veteran foreign minister, will also remain in his post.
The appointment of Belousov, a civil servant known for his decision-making economic more than for his knowledge of the battlefieldis the biggest surprise.
Dmitry Peskov, Kremlin spokesman, told reporters that the change made sense because Russia was approaching a situation similar to that of the Soviet Union in the mid-1980swhen military and police authorities represented 7.4% of state spending.
Peskov assured that Putin now wanted a civilian with economic experience in the position of the Ministry of Defense. “Whoever is more open to innovations will win on the battlefield,” said Peskov.
The change is also likely to be seen in an attempt by Putin to subject defense spending to greater scrutiny to ensure funds are spent effectively after state prosecutors accused a Shoigu ally and deputy defense minister of accepting a bribe.
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