On Sunday, May 12th, Russian President Vladimir Putin removed Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu from his position and nominated former Deputy Prime Minister Andrey Belousov, known for his expertise in economics, to take over the defense ministry. This decision came as a surprise as the conflict between Russia and Ukraine continues.
Shoigu has been serving as the defense minister since 2012 and is a long-time ally of Putin.
The Kremlin announced on Sunday that Putin intends for Shoigu to become the Secretary of the powerful Russian Security Council, replacing current Secretary Nikolai Patrushev. Shoigu will also become Putin’s deputy on the Russian Military-Industrial Commission. Patrushev is set to be “reassigned to another position”.
Patrushev is widely regarded as one of Putin’s closest and most hawkish confidants.
As part of this reshuffle, his son Dmitry Patrushev has been promoted from Minister of Agriculture to Deputy Prime Minister.
These changes are expected to be approved by the parliament, marking the most significant military command changes made by Putin since launching the invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022.
Russian Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov will continue in his role, playing a more practical role in commanding the war.
Belousov’s appointment as defense minister comes as the biggest surprise, as the civilian official is known for his economic decision-making rather than battlefield knowledge.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated in a press conference that Putin chose Belousov due to the need for “innovation”. Peskov also highlighted the increasing budget of the defense ministry, noting that the budget is nearing Cold War levels.
“Today on the battlefield, victory belongs to those who are more open to innovation,” Peskov said. “Therefore, at this stage, the President’s decision for the Russian Ministry of Defense to be led by a civilian official is rational.”
According to the Kremlin, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov will also remain in his position.