Russia – Ukraine Who is Andrei Belousov, the new defense minister appointed by Putin for war in Ukraine

Russian President Vladimir Putin will replace his former ally Sergei Shoigu as defense minister, the Kremlin announced.

The 68-year-old has held the post since 2012 and will be appointed head of the Russian Security Council.

Documents released by the upper house of the Russian parliament said Shoigu would be replaced by Deputy Prime Minister Andrei Belousov.

Shoigu has played Important role in Russia’s war with Ukraine.

Russian government documents show Putin wants Shoigu to replace Nikolai Patrushev on the powerful Security Council. It is not yet clear what Patrushev’s new position will be.

chairman Putin has close relations with Shoigu It is common to take him on fishing trips in his native Siberia. In fact, despite having no military background, he was assigned the Defense Department, which angered some of his superiors.

Shoigu, a civil engineer by profession, rose to prominence in the 1990s as head of the Ministry of Emergencies and Disaster Relief.

He often appeared overwhelmed by his duties as Defense Minister, especially after Russia’s massive invasion of Ukraine More than two years ago, says BBC Europe analyst Danny Eberhard.

In 2023, Shoigu finds himself involved in Public dispute with Wagner’s mercenary boss, Yevgeny Prigozhin, For Russia’s war operations.

Prigozhin, who led a brief rebellion against Moscow, accused Shoigu of being “trash” and an “old clown” in audio messages that went viral.

The head of the mercenary died in a plane crash during a flight from St. Petersburg to Moscow in August 2023. The Kremlin denied that he was guilty.

Shoigu’s suggested replacement is Belousov. an economist with little military experience And this will be a surprise to some people.

But other analysts say the move signals that President Putin is trying to tie the Russian economy more closely to the war effort.

Kremlin press spokesman Dmitry Peskov said thisThe proposed appointment of a civilian revealed that the role of Defense Minister required “innovation”.

He claimed that Russia was becoming like the Soviet Union in the mid-1980s, when a large portion of GDP was allocated to military spending.

As a result, it was necessary Ensure that military spending is better integrated into the economy He said, General of Russia.

“Those who are most open to innovation will be victorious on the battlefield,” he said.

BBC Russia editor Steve Rosenberg said Shoigu’s replacement was not a surprise as his position had weakened and there had been talk for some time that he might lose his job. Russia’s campaign in Ukraine has been plagued by military setbacks And there was huge loss of life and property.

Steve Rosenberg says that having an economist as defense minister reflects the Kremlin’s changing priorities. The Russian economy is now on a war footing, It is therefore important that the Defense Ministry has adequate funds to finance the war.

According to unnamed government officials cited by the independent Russian website The Bell, Belousov is seen as an “uncompromising defender of the state” who believes Russia is surrounded by enemies.

Like President Putin, he is close to the Russian Orthodox Church. It is said so A martial arts lover, As did President Putin, who practiced karate and the Russian combat sport Sambo in his youth.

Before becoming Deputy Prime Minister, He worked as Putin’s assistant for many years. Before this, he was the Minister of Economic Development.

He was reportedly the only member of the President’s financial team Supported the annexation of Crimea in 2014.

Putin was sworn in as president for the fifth time after winning Russia’s recent elections with 87% of the vote and without facing any credible opponent. He has led Russia since May 2000.

Cabinet members who will retain their posts Veteran Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.

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