Vladimir Putin Reshuffles Russian Defence Ministry, Appoints Andrei Belousov as Minister

In a bid to reshape Russia’s defense apparatus, President Vladimir Putin has decided to replace his longtime confidant, Sergei Shoigu as defense minister, as announced by the Kremlin, on Monday.

Shoigu, 68, who held the position since 2012, will be succeeded by Deputy Prime Minister Andrei Belousov, an economist with minimal military background.

The unexpected appointment of Belousov, known for his economic expertise rather than military credentials, signals a strategic shift in aligning Russia’s economy with its military endeavors. Analysts view this move as a response to the escalating conflict in Ukraine and the increasing financial resources devoted to the war effort.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov justified the decision by emphasizing the need for innovation in the defense sector, likening Russia’s current state to the Soviet Union’s militarization phase in the mid-1980s. Peskov stressed the importance of integrating military spending into the broader economy for enhanced efficiency.

The reassignment of Shoigu, despite his continued role as secretary of the Security Council, is interpreted as a demotion, particularly considering his close ties to Putin. Shoigu, a civil engineer by profession, gained prominence as the head of Russia’s emergencies and disaster relief ministry in the 1990s.

Recent tensions within the Russian military leadership surfaced when one of Shoigu’s deputies, Timur Ivanov, was arrested on corruption charges in April. Moreover, Russia’s prolonged campaign in Ukraine, marked by military setbacks and casualties, has prompted speculation about Shoigu’s waning influence.

Andrei Belousov’s background as a staunch defender of the state and his alignment with Putin’s policies, including the annexation of Crimea in 2014, underscores his suitability for the defense minister role. He is also noted for his martial arts proficiency, sharing a common interest with Putin in karate and sambo.

Putin’s reelection for a fifth term, securing a staggering 87% of the vote without credible opponents, reaffirms his enduring grip on power since assuming office in May 2000. Despite the leadership transition in the defense ministry, Putin remains the ultimate authority dictating Russia’s strategic decisions.