Putin shakes up Russian military, eyes reforms amidst corruption
Vladimir Putin recently extended his rule until at least 2030, and now he is implementing changes within the military. Sergei Shoigu, the Minister of Defence since 2012, has been moved to the head of Russia's Security Council. What does this reshuffle mean for the Russian military? Significant changes are on the horizon.
Bloomberg, citing sources, explained why Russian President Vladimir Putin appointed Andrey Belousov as the new Minister of Defence of the Russian Federation and trusted Sergei Shoigu was reassigned behind the scenes.
According to three agency sources, Putin reassigned him to the post of secretary of the Security Council because "he lost patience with the Defence Ministry's ability to conduct a war amidst pervasive corruption." In this regard, the Russian president is calling for changes.
What was Vladimir Putin's reasoning? The decision to overhaul the leadership of Russia's Defence Ministry may also have been prompted by the mutiny of Wagner Group founder Yevgeny Prigozhin in 2023. During this mutiny, the rebels criticised Sergei Shoigu for the inadequate supply of units, corruption, and shortages, contributing to Russia's significant battlefield setbacks.
According to reports, 65-year-old Andrei Belousov was surprised when Vladimir Putin asked him to become the head of the Ministry of Defense. Nevertheless, he agreed without hesitation, seeing Putin as a global figure changing the course of world history. In short, he felt he couldn't refuse.
The largest shake-up in the Russian military in 12 years
As reported by the Associated Press, Sergei Shoigu's future as Defence Minister in the new government appeared uncertain, partly because of corruption scandals involving ministry officials. At the end of April, Deputy Defence Minister Timur Ivanov was arrested.
It was reported that he is suspected of accepting a huge bribe and faces up to 15 years in prison.
Furthermore, the British Ministry of Defence announced that the investigation into Timur Ivanov likely extended to his superior, the first Deputy Defence Minister Ruslan Tsalikov. Sergei Shoigu was also under scrutiny for his handling of the war in Ukraine, as Vladimir Putin had expected more incredible successes. His successor may encounter the same challenges.
