Sergei Shoigu removed from Russian defence ministry by Vladimir Putin

In a surprising move, Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced the removal of his long-standing ally Sergei Shoigu as defence minister. The 68-year-old Shoigu, who has held the position since 2012, will be replaced by Deputy Prime Minister Andrei Belousov, an economist with little military experience.

The Kremlin stated that the defence ministry needed to stay “innovative,” signaling a shift in priorities within the Russian government. This reshuffle at the top of Russian politics is a rare occurrence, highlighting the significance of the decision.

Analysts suggest that Putin’s decision to appoint Belousov as defence minister may be an effort to align the Russian economy more closely with the ongoing war effort in Ukraine. The move reflects the changing priorities of the Kremlin and the substantial financial resources being allocated to the conflict.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov emphasized the need for innovation in the role of defence minister, comparing the current situation to the high military spending of the Soviet Union in the mid-1980s. The integration of military expenditure into Russia’s overall economy is seen as crucial for boosting efficiency in the armed forces.

While Shoigu will retain a powerful role as secretary of the Security Council, the decision to remove him as defence minister is viewed as a demotion. The implications of this change in leadership, including the fate of the council’s current head Nikolai Patrushev, remain uncertain. The appointment of Belousov marks a significant shift in Russian politics and military strategy, with potential implications for the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.