Sergei Shoigu has been Russian Defense Minister since 2012 and is now being replaced. He is now set to become secretary of the National Security Council. Shoigu is followed by a civilian and economic expert.
Shortly after the start of his fifth term in office, Russian President Vladimir Putin replaced his long-time defense minister and close confidant Sergei Shoigu. The 68-year-old should instead become secretary of the National Security Council.
There had already been some speculation that Shoigu would be fired. A few weeks ago, one of his deputies, Timur Ivanov, was arrested on corruption charges. Analysts interpreted this as a sign of a power struggle within the Russian military.
Shoigu has been defense minister since 2012. The annexation of Crimea, which violated international law, the attack on eastern parts of Ukraine and the full invasion of the neighboring country in 2022 took place during his term of office.
The entire cabinet resigned last week when Putin’s new term began. Other key positions in the government should not be filled differently.
A Economic expert takes over
Shoigu’s successor at the head of the Defense Ministry is to be the previous deputy head of government, Andrei Beloussov, as the state agency Tass reported, citing the Federation Council. Putin’s suggestions for the composition of the new Russian government were received there.
Beloussov was Putin’s advisor on economic issues for many years and has held various positions in the government in recent years. According to the Kremlin, the Defense Ministry should be open to innovation and new ideas. That’s why Putin chose Beloussov. This is “undoubtedly the best candidate” to expand the Russian defense industry complex and introduce new technologies, Duma deputy Sergei Gavrilov was quoted as saying by Tass.