Vladimir Putin replaces Defence Minister Shoigu

Russian president Vladimir Putin replaces his long-standing ally Sergei Shoigu as defence minister. Shoigu is being replaced by Deputy Prime Minister Andrei Belousov.

According to Kremlin, Moscow, Shoigu has been appointed as secretary of Security Council of Russian Federation and will also be Putin’s deputy in Military-Industrial commission of the Russian Federation.

As Mr. Shoigu replace former Secretary of security council of the Russian Federation, as Kremlin said that former secretary of Security Council Nikolai Patrushev is being replaced “due to transfer to another job”.

Kremlin spokesperson Peskov said, the decision of appointing Belousov as the new head of Defence Ministry was followed by the need to integrate the economy of security bloc into the country’s economy potentially opening the door to innovation and advanced economic management within the Defence Ministry.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov suggests the integration development as an important step to meet current needs, indicting a focus on war economy as the conflict between Russia and Ukraine entered its third year in February.

About Sergei Shoigu

Sergei Kuzhugetovich Shoigu has been a prominent figure in Russian politics, serving as the Defence Minister since 2012.  Shoigu has had a long-standing career in various governmental roles. Before his tenure as Defence Minister, he was the Minister of Emergency Situations from 1991 to 2012 and briefly served as the Governor of Moscow Oblast in 20121.

Shoigu is known for his close ties with President Putin and has been a key player in Russia’s military operations, including the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Why did Putin replace Shoigu?

The decision to replace Shoigu comes after a series of events that have put him under scrutiny.

His handling of the military operations in Ukraine faced criticism, and allegations of corruption against one of his deputy ministers- Trimur Ivanov- further damaged his reputation. Further arrest of such a senior officer on bribery charges might have contributed to Putin’s decision to appoint Shoigu as head of powerful security council.

Who is new Defence Minister?

Andrei Belousov, the newly appointed Defence Minister, is a 65-year-old economist who has held several positions within the government. His previous roles include serving as the economic development minister, presidential economic assistant, acting prime minister, and first deputy prime minister.

Belousov’s appointment is particularly notable as he lacks a military background, which marks a departure from the traditional profile for this role.

Apart from replacing Shoigu as the defence minister, other heads of security ministry and services will retain their positions in government, including Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.

In addition to tis reshuffle President Putin proposed appointing Boris Kovalchuk as the Chairman of Accounts Chamber, to fill the position that has been vacant for one and a half years now.

Implememtation of this Reshuffle

This reshuffle is one of the most significant changes in Putin’s cabinet and comes shortly after he was sworn in for a fifth presidential term. The move could be interpreted as an attempt to exert more control over military affairs and address issues of corruption and inefficiency within the Defence Ministry.

Belousov’s economic expertise may be leveraged to ensure that the substantial funds allocated to the war are managed effectively and to foster technological advancements within the military sector. With an economist at the helm of the Defence Ministry, there may be a greater emphasis on the economic aspects of warfare, including resource allocation, budget management, and the economic impact of military decisions.