May 12th 2024.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has made a significant change in his government, announcing that he has replaced his long-time ally and defence minister Sergei Shoigu with a civilian, Andrey Belousov. The decision comes as a surprise to many, with the President citing the country's increasing military spending and the need for fresh perspectives and ideas.
According to Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, Shoigu has been relieved of his position as Minister of Defence by presidential decree and has instead been appointed as Secretary of Russia's Security Council. Peskov further revealed that Shoigu will also serve as Putin's deputy in the Military-Industrial Commission, while the previous Secretary of the Security Council, Nikolai Patrushev, will be moving to a new role.
On the other hand, the new Minister of Defence, Belousov, brings a civilian perspective to the position. He previously served as the first deputy prime minister and has been chosen by Putin for his expertise in innovation, which is considered crucial in today's military landscape. In a press call, Peskov emphasized the importance of innovation in warfare and explained that the rise in the ministry's budget, which now rivals that of the Cold War era, was a significant factor in the President's decision to appoint a civilian.
Speaking about the current geopolitical situation, Peskov noted that Russia's security expenses are approaching levels not seen since the mid-80s. He stressed that while this is not a critical situation, it is still vital for the country's security. Currently, the budget for the Ministry of Defence amounts to 6.7 per cent of the country's GDP.
Peskov also highlighted Belousov's previous experience in leadership and economics, describing him as more than just a civilian. He mentioned Belousov's successful tenure as the Minister of Economic Development, his role as an aide to the President on economic matters, and his position as the first deputy chairman of the previous cabinet of ministers.
Despite the significant change in leadership, Peskov clarified that there would be no shift in Russia's military system. He reassured that the military component will remain the responsibility of Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov, and no changes are planned in this regard.
In his new role, Shoigu will have a different set of responsibilities as he oversees Russia's military-industrial complex, according to Peskov. He praised Shoigu's knowledge and experience in this area, noting his frequent visits to military enterprises and familiarity with their production capabilities.
The news of Shoigu's replacement comes on the heels of another significant event in the Russian government – the arrest of one of his close allies, deputy defence minister Timur Ivanov. The high-profile corruption scandal, which has been the talk of the country, has seen Ivanov charged with taking a bribe of 1 million rubles. Some have criticized Shoigu for his handling of the situation, including Yevgeny Prigozhin, the late chief of Wagner, who was vocal about his disapproval before his passing last year.
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