More than two years after the start of the war of aggression against Ukraine, Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin has not reappointed his close confidant Sergei Shoigu as defense minister. Shoigu’s successor will be the current deputy head of government Andrei Belousov, Russian news agencies report with reference to a message from the Federation Council. Putin’s proposals for the composition of the new Russian government were received there. No official reason was given for the reshuffle.
However, there had been some speculation about the possible dismissal of 68-year-old Shoigus, who has been defense minister since 2012. A few weeks ago, one of Shoigu’s deputies, Timur Ivanov, was arrested on corruption charges. Observers had interpreted this as a sign of power struggles within the Russian military and security apparatus.
Shoigu is reportedly set to become secretary of the Security Council, a powerful post previously held by hardliner Nikolai Patrushev.
Shoigu’s 65-year-old successor, Belousov, was Putin’s economic adviser for many years and has held various positions in the government in recent years.
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