Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced the dismissal of his longtime ally Sergey Shoigu as defense minister.
The 68-year-old president has been in office since 2012 and will be replaced by Deputy Prime Minister Andrey Belousov, an economist with little military experience.
Shoigu will be appointed Secretary-General of the Russian Security Council.
Kremlin says Ministry of Defense needs innovation
But Vladimir Putin is the one who ultimately decides. It was his decision to start a war in Ukraine. And he made all the important decisions.
Belousov’s appointment as Defense Minister will surprise many, given his previous experience.
But analysts believe President Putin is trying to tie the Russian economy more closely to the war effort.
The decision to appoint an economist to be responsible for the Ministry of Defence. It reflects the Kremlin’s changing priorities. and the need for Russian officials to invest heavily in the war in Ukraine. and improve the efficiency of the Russian military.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said: Nomination of appointment of a civilian It shows that the Minister of Defense is focused on the need for innovation.