In a surprise move, Russian President Vladimir Putin has removed Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu from his post and replaced him with Deputy Prime Minister Andrei Belousov. The move comes amid Russia's ongoing war in Ukraine, where the Russian military has faced setbacks and heavy losses.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has unexpectedly removed Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu from his post and replaced him with Deputy Prime Minister Andrei Belousov. The move comes amid Russia's ongoing war in Ukraine, where the Russian military has faced setbacks and heavy losses.
Shoigu, a close ally of Putin and a prominent figure in the Russian government, has been defense minister since 2012. He is a general and former paratrooper who has been involved in many of Russia's major military campaigns, including the annexation of Crimea and the Syrian conflict.
Belousov, on the other hand, is a civilian economist who has no military experience. He has served as deputy prime minister since 2020 and is responsible for economic development.
The reason for Shoigu's removal is unclear. Some analysts believe that it is a sign of Putin's dissatisfaction with the military's performance in Ukraine. Others speculate that Shoigu may have been involved in a power struggle with other Kremlin officials.
Whatever the reason, the move is a significant shake-up of the Russian government and could have implications for the war in Ukraine.
It is too early to say what impact Belousov's appointment will have on the war in Ukraine. However, some analysts believe that it could lead to a more aggressive approach by the Russian military. Belousov is known to be a supporter of a more interventionist foreign policy, and he may be more inclined to escalate the conflict in Ukraine.
Others believe that Belousov's appointment could lead to a more pragmatic approach by the Russian military. Belousov is an economist, and he may be more focused on the economic costs of the war than on achieving military victories.
The removal of Sergei Shoigu as defense minister is a significant development in the Russian government. The move could have implications for the war in Ukraine, and it will be closely watched by analysts and policymakers around the world.
