Russian President Vladimir Putin made significant changes to his Cabinet, replacing his Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu with Andrei Belousov, as he begins his fifth term in office, Associated Press reports.
Shoigu has instead been appointed as the secretary of Russia’s Security Council, highlighting Putin’s desire to retain key figures in influential roles. The reshuffle comes following the arrest of Shoigu’s deputy Timur Ivanov on bribery charges, which was interpreted by some as an attack on Shoigu and a possible precursor for his dismissal. Shoigu was appointed Defense Minister in 2012 after heading the Ministry of Emergency Situations, he has been seen as instrumental in Russia’s actions in Ukraine.
Belousov, a former deputy prime minister, is seen as a suitable candidate for the defense minister role due to his extensive experience in economic and financial affairs. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that a civilian was chosen for the defense minister role to bring innovation and align the defense budget with the wider economy.
