Russian President Putin reshuffles his cabinet, replaces long-time defense minister Shoigu

Europe, News May 14, 2024 , by IRIA No Comments

In a major shakeup, President Vladimir Putin has put forward former First Deputy Prime Minister Andrei Belousov as the nominee to succeed Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, as announced by the upper-house Federation Council on May 12, 2024.

According to Russian legislation, the entire Cabinet resigned last week following Putin’s grand inauguration at the Kremlin for his fifth term, solidifying his rule over Russia for over two decades. While most members retained their positions, Shoigu’s future seemed uncertain

While deciding on his new cabinet, Putin issued a decree appointing Shoigu as the secretary of Russia’s Security Council and nominated 65-year-old Andrei Belousov to assume the role of defense minister.

Belousov, also a close ally to the Russian President, has served in various government roles, including economic development minister, presidential economic assistant, acting prime minister, and first deputy prime minister. However, the appointment of Belousov as the Chief of Russian defense comes to many as a surprise given his previous experience.

Many observers are speculating that the appointment of an economist to lead the Ministry of Defense mirrors the shifting priorities of the Kremlin and underscores the substantial financial resources being allocated by Russian authorities to the conflict in Ukraine. It also highlights Russia’s imperative to enhance efficiency within its armed forces.

When asked about Belousov’s lack of military experience, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists that a civilian official heading the Defense Ministry would open it up “to innovation, to the introduction of all advanced ideas.”

*^{Russian President Vladimir Putin talks to the media during a news conference in Moscow, Russia, December 16, 2021. (Image Credit: CFP/CGTN)}*

“It’s very important to integrate the economy of the security bloc into the country’s economy so that it meets current needs,” Peskov was quoted as saying by state media.

Putin also removed Nikolai Patrushev, a prominent figure within Putin’s inner circle, from his role as Security Council chief. Shoigu will assume Patrushev’s position as the head of the Security Council, which is responsible for overseeing strategic and national security matters within the executive branch. Peskov stated that the Kremlin would disclose Patrushev’s new role in the forthcoming days.

Peskov assured that the reshuffle in the cabinet will not affect “the military aspect” and the operations in Ukraine, which “has always been the prerogative of the Chief of General Staff.” General Valery Gerasimov, who currently serves in this position, will continue his work.

Shoigu, a long-time ally of Putin and one of the masterminds of the Ukrainian invasion had previously weathered numerous setbacks in the conflict and a rebellion by the Wagner mercenary group in the summer of 2023.

The situation became even more tense for Shoigu when his deputy, Timur Ivanov, was detained last month on charges of bribery and was instructed to remain in custody pending an official inquiry. The arrest of Ivanov was broadly viewed as a strike against Shoigu and potentially foreshadowed his removal, despite his strong personal rapport with Putin.

*^{Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu.}*

Shoigu had been serving as Russia’s defense minister since 2012. In 1991, he assumed leadership of the Russian Rescue Corps, initially a disaster-response agency, which later transformed into the Ministry of Emergency Situations. Shoigu gained considerable recognition during his tenure in this role. Notably, his position facilitated his promotion to the rank of general in the Russian Army, and later as the country’s defense chief.