Putin Replaces Defense Minister Shoigu... Belousov Appointed as Successor Deputy Prime Minister

Russian President Vladimir Putin on the 12th (local time) nominated former First Deputy Prime Minister Andrey Belousov as the successor to former Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu, TASS news agency reported.

Starting his fifth term on the 7th, President Putin is forming a new government. The previous Russian government resigned just before Putin's inauguration.

Vladimir Putin, President of Russia [Image source=Yonhap News]

Deputy Prime Minister Belousov is an economic expert. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated, "Today, on the battlefield, those who are more open to 'innovation' win."

Former Minister Shoigu is expected to be appointed Secretary of the Russian Security Council.

Shoigu served as Defense Minister for 12 years since 2012. He led the special military operation that began in February 2022, but his position has reportedly become unstable recently after his close aide, former Deputy Defense Minister Timur Ivanov, was detained on bribery charges.

The final appointment will be decided after review by the Federation Council.

President Putin also proposed the reappointment of Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, Interior Minister Vladimir Kolokoltsev, and Emergency Situations Minister Alexander Kurenkov.