In a major Cabinet reshuffle marking the beginning of his fifth term, Russian President Vladimir Putin has replaced Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, appointing him to the Security Council instead. Andrei Belousov, previously first deputy prime minister, has been appointed as the new defense chief. This move signals a shift in the leadership of Russia’s defense establishment as the country continues to face challenges in its ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Shoigu’s removal from his long-held position as defense minister has been interpreted as a sign of displeasure over the course of the war, which has seen Russia suffer setbacks and heavy losses. The conflict in Ukraine has exposed weaknesses in Russia’s military strategy and equipment, leading to questions about the effectiveness of the defense leadership.
In his new role, Shoigu will be part of the Security Council, a body that advises the president on national security matters. The Security Council is chaired by Putin and includes other top officials, such as the prime minister, foreign minister, and defense minister. This appointment suggests that Putin still values Shoigu’s experience and expertise in security matters, despite removing him from the defense minister post.
Andrei Belousov, the incoming defense minister, has a background in finance and economics rather than military affairs. He has previously served as first deputy prime minister and held leading positions in the prime minister’s office and the Ministry of Economic Development. His appointment indicates a shift towards a more technocratic approach to defense leadership, focusing on the efficient management of resources and innovation in military affairs.
The Cabinet shakeup also includes changes in other ministerial positions, with Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin proposing several new candidates for federal ministers. The reshuffle comes amid ongoing economic challenges for Russia, including the impact of Western sanctions imposed in response to the conflict in Ukraine. The new ministers will be tasked with addressing these challenges and implementing Putin’s economic policies.
Meanwhile, intense fighting continues in Ukraine’s northeast, with Russian forces targeting multiple settlements. The town of Vovchansk has emerged as a focal point in the battle, with Russian forces approaching from three directions. Evacuation teams are working to take residents, mostly elderly, out of harm’s way as the fighting intensifies.
Analysts say the Russian push is designed to exploit ammunition shortages before Western supplies can reach the front lines. Russian forces are using their usual tactic of launching a disproportionate amount of fire and infantry assaults to exhaust Ukrainian troops and firepower. By intensifying battles in what was previously a static patch of the front line, Russian forces threaten to pin down Ukrainian forces in the northeast, while carrying out intense battles further south where Moscow is also gaining ground.
The ongoing conflict in Ukraine continues to pose significant challenges for Russia, both militarily and economically. The Cabinet shakeup and changes in the defense leadership reflect the need to address these challenges and adapt to the changing circumstances of the war.
