Russian President Vladimir Putin has made a major shakeup in his administration, replacing Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu with a civilian, Andrey Belousov. The change was announced by Kremlin spokesman Dmitri Peskov, who stated that Shoigu has been relieved of his position and appointed as secretary of the Russian Security Council.
Belousov, a former first deputy prime minister, was chosen by Putin due to the country’s increased military spending and the need for “innovation.” Peskov highlighted the rise in the defense ministry’s budget, comparing it to levels last seen during the Cold War. The move is seen as a strategic decision to ensure Russia remains open to innovation on the battlefield.
Addressing the ongoing Ukrainian war, Peskov mentioned the current geopolitical circumstances and emphasized the importance of security expenditures in the economy. He noted that the budget currently amounts to 6.7% of GDP, nearing the levels of the mid-1980s.
Despite the change in leadership, Peskov clarified that Russia’s military system will remain intact, with the chief of the General Staff, Valery Gerasimov, continuing to lead the military component. Shoigu will now oversee Russia’s military-industrial complex, utilizing his experience and knowledge in the field.
The decision comes after the arrest of Deputy Defense Minister Timur Ivanov, a close ally of Shoigu, on corruption charges. Ivanov was accused of accepting a bribe, marking a high-profile scandal in Russia.
Shoigu has also faced criticism for his handling of the invasion of Ukraine, with notable figures like Yevgeny Prigozhin questioning his tactics before his death last year.
The appointment of Belousov and the shift in responsibilities for Shoigu signal Putin’s focus on modernizing Russia’s defense infrastructure and ensuring efficiency in military operations.