Global

Putin Ousts Longtime Ally Shoigu, Appoints Belousov as Defence Minister

Russian President Vladimir Putin is poised to replace his longstanding ally Sergei Shoigu as defence minister, the Kremlin revealed today.

Shoigu, 68, who has held the position since 2012, will transition to the role of secretary of Russia’s Security Council. Papers released by the upper chamber of the Russian parliament indicate that Shoigu will be succeeded by Deputy Prime Minister Andrei Belousov.

A pivotal figure in Russia’s conflict with Ukraine, Shoigu’s influence extends beyond military matters. President Putin intends for Shoigu to assume the mantle of Nikolai Patrushev on the influential Security Council, although Patrushev’s new designation remains unclear.

Despite lacking a military background, Shoigu ascended to the defence portfolio, evoking discontent among some military brass. A civil engineer by profession, he rose to prominence as head of the emergencies and disaster relief ministry in the 1990s.

However, Shoigu’s tenure as defence minister faced scrutiny, particularly following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine over two years ago. His public spat with Wagner mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin further compounded his challenges, with Prigozhin accusing Shoigu of incompetence in managing the war effort.

The proposed appointment of Belousov, an economist with limited military experience, signals a strategic shift by President Putin. 

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov asserted that innovation is paramount for the defence minister role, likening the current military expenditure to the Soviet era.

According to reports, Shoigu’s replacement reflects his dwindling influence amid military setbacks in Ukraine. 

The appointment of an economist underscores the evolving priorities of the Kremlin, with the economy increasingly intertwined with the war effort.

Belousov, described as a staunch defender of the state and aligned with the Russian Orthodox Church, boasts a background in martial arts and served as an aide to President Putin before assuming governmental roles.

As Putin embarks on his fifth presidential term, continuity remains evident in cabinet positions, with veteran Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov retaining his post.

Follow us on:

AriseNews

Recent Posts

Federal Government Reinstates Ikechebelu as Acting Vice-Chancellor of UNIZIK

The federal government has reinstated Professor Joseph Ikechebelu as acting Vice-Chancellor of UNIZIK, nullifying Professor…

2 hours ago

Court Of Appeal Nullifies Judgment Blocking Voter Register Release For Rivers LG Polls

Court of Appeal has overturned the Federal High Court ruling barring INEC from releasing voter…

2 hours ago

Kenya Cancels Adani Contracts as US Prosecutors Charge Tycoon with Fraud

Kenya has cancelled airport and energy deals with Adani following US bribery and fraud charges…

2 hours ago

Brazil’s Former President Bolsonaro, 36 Others Indicted Over Alleged Coup Attempt In Brazil

Brazil’s former president Bolsonaro and 36 others have been indicted for allegedly attempting a coup…

2 hours ago

Republican David McCormick Triumphs As Democrat Sen. Bob Casey Concedes After Recount

Republican David McCormick won Pennsylvania Senate seat as Democratic Sen. Bob Casey concedes after recount…

2 hours ago

Trudeau Announces Temporary Tax Relief and Cheques Amid Rising Living Costs

Trudeau's government has announced plans for temporary tax relief, cheques for Canadians amid rising costs…

2 hours ago