Putin reshuffles defense leadership amid calls for wartime economy

In a recent development, Russian President Vladimir Putin has appointed a prominent economic advisor, Andrei Belousov, as the new Minister of Defense. This surprising move has left many analysts speculating about the reasons behind this decision. According to Nuno Felix, a Portuguese journalist, who cited a tweet by Samuel Greene, Director of the Russia and Eurasia Program at Chatham House, Putin’s recognition of the need for a wartime economy in the midst of the ongoing conflict may have influenced his decision. Greene also hinted at further analysis of this topic in his Substack newsletter, tldrussia.substack.com, which is available for free subscription. This remarkable shift in leadership comes after the removal of Sergei Shoigu, who was previously serving as both the Minister of Defense and the Chairman of the Russian Security Council. It remains unclear whether Shoigu will be replaced in the latter position or if any other significant changes will follow. However, some experts suggest that Shoigu’s departure may indicate a broader restructuring of Russia’s defense strategy and leadership, given his close relations with Putin and his extensive experience in this field. Stay tuned for further updates on this evolving situation.