Official announcements from the Kremlin or Russian government publications

Putin Appoints Anna Tsivileva as Deputy Defense Minister and State Secretary Amid Nepotism Concerns

Aug 17, 2024, 02:45 PM

Russian President Vladimir Putin has appointed his cousin's niece, Anna Tsivileva, as the Deputy Defense Minister and State Secretary. This move, announced through a Kremlin decree, highlights the ongoing trend of nepotism within the Russian government. Tsivileva will oversee relations between the Defense Ministry and other government entities. This appointment comes amidst reports of significant challenges facing Russia, including military losses, the invasion of Kursk, and thousands of troops surrendering. The decision to place a relative in a position that controls substantial financial resources, including a coal company possibly worth $1 billion, suggests a deep level of trust from Putin, despite the ongoing difficulties.