Official government announcements or reputable news sources

Putin Appoints Belousov as Defense Minister, Shoigu as Security Council Secretary

May 12, 2024, 06:36 PM

Russian President Vladimir Putin has initiated a significant reshuffle in the country's defense and security leadership. Putin has proposed Andrey Belousov, previously the First Deputy Prime Minister, as the new Defense Minister, replacing Sergei Shoigu, who has led the Ministry of Defense for over 11 years. Concurrently, Shoigu has been appointed as the Secretary of the Russian Security Council, taking over from Nikolai Patrushev, who has served since 2008 and has now been dismissed. These changes come amidst ongoing challenges in Ukraine, suggesting a strategic redirection in Russia's military and security framework.