Russian President Vladimir Putin made a surprising move on Sunday by replacing Sergei Shoigu as defense minister in a Cabinet shakeup as he begins his fifth term in office. Shoigu, who has been a key figure in Putin’s decision-making, was appointed as secretary of Russia’s Security Council, while Andrei Belousov was proposed to take over as defense minister.
The reshuffle comes amidst a tense situation in Russia’s border city of Belgorod, where a 10-story apartment building collapsed due to what Russian officials claim was Ukrainian shelling. The incident left 13 people dead and 20 wounded, with Ukraine yet to comment on the matter.
Belousov’s candidacy for defense minister will need approval from Russia’s upper house in parliament, the Federation Council. Putin also introduced proposals for other Cabinet positions, with Shoigu being the only minister on the list to be replaced. The decision to appoint a civilian as defense minister was explained by Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov as a move to bring innovation and modern ideas to the ministry.
Shoigu’s new role on the Security Council is seen as a strategic move by Putin to retain key figures in influential positions. The former defense minister has been a central figure in Russia’s military operations, including the decision to send troops into Ukraine. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has seen Russian forces making gains in the northeast, targeting towns and villages with heavy artillery and mortar shelling.
The situation in Ukraine remains volatile, with thousands of civilians fleeing the conflict zone as Russian forces continue their offensive. The international community is closely monitoring the developments in the region as the conflict escalates.