NewsPutin meets Tula governor tied to Wagner Group, signals Russian military leadership shifts

Putin meets Tula governor tied to Wagner Group, signals Russian military leadership shifts

Does Putin want to punish Shoigu?

Images source: © Getty Images | Mikhail Svetlov

3 May 2024 09:39

Vladimir Putin met with Alexei Dyumin, the governor of the Tula region and a member of the Wagner Group. The Institute for the Study of War reports that this meeting could indicate that Putin intends to curb the influence of Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu, possibly as a rebuke for failing to meet the Kremlin's military aims.

During a meeting at the dictator's residence near Moscow, Dyumin briefed Putin on the region's contributions to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Dyumin highlighted three main areas: support and provision of housing for combatants in Ukraine, boosting the Russian defence and industrial bases, and enhancing the medical system in the Tula region.

He also told Putin that the Tula region's administration is collaborating with the Russian Ministry of Defence to fully supply Russian military units with the equipment specified by local commanders. Dyumin proudly mentioned that the Tula region has established one of the first training centres for drone operators in partnership with the Russian Ministry of Defence.

Dyumin's report seemed to be an effort to regain Putin's favour following his drop in status after Yevgeny Prigozhin's rebellion at the end of June 2023.

Putin's goal

Furthermore, Russian sources speculate the Kremlin might position Dyumin in a new role. The arrest of Shoigu's deputy Ivanov, along with Dyumin's sudden re-emergence, may suggest the Kremlin is unhappy with Shoigu's performance.

The ISW also notes the meeting between Putin and Dyumin implies that Putin could be behind Ivanov's arrest. Putin frequently reshuffles officials and military leaders, hoping it will spur different factions to achieve his objectives.

Russia's plans. Shoigu issued an order

In recent days, Sergei Shoigu has instructed to ramp up weapon production to accelerate deliveries to the eastern front in Ukraine.

"To maintain the required pace of the offensive, it is necessary to increase the volume and quality of weapons and military equipment supplied to the troops, primarily weapons," Sergei Shoigu stated in an announcement from the Russian Ministry of Defence.

The details of the Russian strategy to increase production or when Russia might begin to see quicker deliveries to the eastern front in Ukraine remain undisclosed. This plan to raise weapon production aligns with an anticipated Russian offensive, which, according to Kyiv, is expected to start at the end of May or early June.