Vladimir Putin has replaced his close ally Sergei Shoigu with civilian economist and former deputy prime minister Andrei Belousov, more than two years after Russia’s war against Ukraine has sent defence spending soaring.
Andrei Belousov, who served as former Minister of Economic Development and first Deputy Prime Minister was appointed to the top defence job on Sunday.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said Mr Shoigu was “relieved” of his position by presidential decree but will still play a significant role as the new Secretary of Russia’s Security Council, replacing FSB security boss Nikolai Patrushev.
The re-shuffle comes as Russia’s defence spending has reached 6.7% of the country’s GDP, the Kremlin has painted the surprise move as an attempt to get tighter control on defence expenditure.
Mr Shoigu led the country’s defence for more than a decade and led the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February, 2022.
The replacement also follows allegations of corruption in Russia’s defence ministry. One of Mr Shoigu’s closest allies, deputy defence minister Timur Ivanon, was charged with taking a bribe two weeks ago.
In response to Mr Shoigu’s dismissal and the appointment of Andrey Belousov, UK Defence Secretary Grant Shapps said “Russia needs a Defence Minister who would undo that disastrous legacy and end the invasion – but all they’ll get is another of Putin’s puppets.”
Sergei Shoigu has overseen over 355k casualties amongst his own soldiers & mass civilian suffering with an illegal campaign in Ukraine.
Russia needs a Defence Minister who would undo that disastrous legacy & end the invasion – but all they’ll get is another of Putin’s puppets. https://t.co/gNAhXqoRcm
— Rt Hon Grant Shapps MP (@grantshapps) May 12, 2024
Who is Andrey Belousov?
Mr Belousav graduated from the Faculty of Economics of the Moscow State University in 1981. He served as the director of economics and finance under Vladimir Putin between 2008 and 2012.
He was then appointed economics minister in 2012 and later as a key adviser to Mr Putin from 2013 to 2020.
Mr Belousav was then promoted to first deputy prime minister in 2020 until he replaced Mr Shoigu as defence minister.
He does not have any previous military experience but Kremlin spokesperson Dimitry Peskov has highlighted Mr Belousav’s leadership abilities.
“This is not just a civilian, but a person who very successfully headed the Ministry of Economic Development of Russia.
As for the military component, this appointment will in no way change the current coordinate systems. The military component has always been the prerogative of the Chief of the General Staff, and he will continue his activities.”
