Sergei Shoigu removed from Russian defence ministry by Vladimir Putin

Russian President Vladimir Putin has made a surprising announcement, revealing that he will be removing his long-standing ally, Sergei Shoigu, as the defense minister. 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 decision to replace Shoigu was made in order to keep the defense ministry “innovative.” This move comes as a significant reshuffle in Russian politics, as changes at the top level of government are rare.

Analysts suggest that Putin’s decision to appoint Belousov as defense minister is aimed at aligning the Russian economy more closely with the ongoing war effort in Ukraine. The appointment of an economist to such a crucial position reflects the changing priorities of the Kremlin and the increased military spending in the country.

Despite the demotion, Shoigu will still hold a powerful role as the secretary of Russia’s Security Council. The decision to replace him comes after rumors of his weakening position and concerns over the prolonged campaign in Ukraine, which has faced setbacks and losses.

Belousov, known for his hard-line stance on defending the state, is seen as a close ally of Putin and a supporter of Russia’s military actions. His appointment signals a shift in the leadership of the defense ministry and a focus on integrating military expenditure into the country’s overall economy.

As Putin continues to make bold moves in Russian politics, the appointment of Belousov as defense minister marks a significant change in the country’s military leadership.