In an unexpected/expected turn of events that has the world talking, Russian President Vladimir Putin has dramatically changed who is in command of the armed forces. The long-serving head of the defence ministry, Sergei Shoigu, has been asked to resign. But he's not going away for good; instead, he's taking a new position as Russia's Security Council secretary. Andrei Belousov, a man renowned for his astute insights on money rather than conflict, will succeed him.
Sergei Shoigu: A Storied Career in Russian Politics and Defence
Early life and education
On May 21, 1955, in Chadan, Tuvan Autonomous Oblast, in the Soviet Union, Sergei Kuzhugetovich Shoigu was born. He was raised in an area renowned for its abundance of Buddhist temples and rich cultural legacy. Shoigu attended the Krasnoyarsk Polytechnical Institute to further his studies, where he earned a construction engineering degree.
Rise to Prominence
When Shoigu was named Minister of Emergency Situations, a position he held from 1991 until 2012, his political career really got going. He was able to establish his crisis and emergency management skills in this role, which helped him build a reputation for dependability and efficiency.
Before being named the Minister of Defence in 2012, he was the governor of Moscow Oblast for a brief period of time. Being a close supporter and confidant of Vladimir Putin, Shoigu rose to prominence within the siloviki, the group of military and security personnel with considerable political sway in Russia.
Military Reforms and Modernization
When Sergei Shoigu took office as Minister of Defence in 2012, Russia was in the midst of its most sweeping military reforms since World War II. These reforms were largely in response to the 2008 Georgia War, which highlighted serious organisational, readiness, and equipment problems.
Restoring Relations with the Military
Shoigu made considerable headway in restoring trust between senior officers and the Defence Ministry. He reversed some less consequential reforms, restored the number of cadets accepted into military academies, and reinstated popular education programs. He also ingratiated himself by wearing a general’s uniform and renewing military participation in Victory Day parades.
Improving operational readiness
Improving readiness was one of Shoigu's principal goals. He ordered over 750 military exercises, including some of the largest since the 1980s, to test new military formations and joint command structures. These exercises helped to identify and address shortcomings in command and control systems.
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Sergei Shoigu in General's uniform with Putin during Victory Day celebrations in Moscow on May 9, 2024
Completing Rearmament
Rearmament was another important goal of reform. The Russian military received virtually no new equipment from 1992 until 2008. Shoigu continued the major rearmament program initiated by his predecessor, which resulted in the Defence Ministry purchasing new equipment at levels not seen since the Soviet Union's collapse.
High-Tech Innovation and Strategy
Shoigu embraced high-tech innovation, forming a cybercommand and merging the air force and space force into the new Russian Aerospace Forces. He also increased salaries for the officers’ corps.
Modernization Efforts
Shoigu continued aspects of the modernization efforts started by Anatoly Serdyukov. This included the creation of the Special Operations Forces Command and the acquisition of new and modernised equipment, aiming for 70% of all equipment to be provided through the State Armaments Program by 2020.
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Challenges and Controversies
Military Setbacks
Shoigu's tenure as Minister of Defence saw significant military engagements, including the annexation of Crimea in 2014 and the intervention in Syria. However, he faced intense criticism for Russia's military setbacks after the February 2022 invasion of Ukraine. The Russian military's performance was marred by issues such as inadequate training and defective equipment, for which Shoigu was often blamed on social media.
Corruption Allegations
One of Shoigu's deputies, Timur Ivanov, was arrested on corruption charges, casting a shadow over the ministry's integrity. This incident highlighted the widespread corruption that continues to plague the army and raised questions about Shoigu's ability to address these systemic issues.
Feud with Yevgeny Prigozhin
Shoigu was involved in a public feud with Yevgeny Prigozhin, the head of the Wagner mercenary group. The conflict became highly publicised, with Prigozhin making derogatory remarks about Shoigu. This dispute, along with Prigozhin's subsequent mysterious death, added to the controversies surrounding Shoigu's leadership.
For more on this : Prigozhin - Mercenary Group Wagner Chief & Russian Coup Operator Presumed Dead In Plane Crash
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Personal Scandals
Investigations into Shoigu's relatives uncovered numerous expensive properties and businesses linked to his family members, raising concerns about potential illicit activities and conflicts of interest.
Transition to the Security Council
Despite these challenges, Shoigu's loyalty to Putin remained steadfast. His removal from the Ministry of Defence and subsequent appointment as the Secretary of the Security Council were seen by some as a demotion, while others viewed it as a strategic repositioning within the Russian power structure.
Andrei Belousov Steps Up: A Different Kind of Defense Minister
Now, Andrei Belousov is stepping in, and it's a bit of a surprise because he's not your typical military guy. He's all about the economy. This could mean that Putin wants to make sure the money Russia spends on its army is good for the country's wallet, too. The Kremlin says they need someone who can bring new ideas to the table, and they think Belousov is that person.
What's Next for Russia's Military?
Belousov is taking over at a time when Russia's still fighting in Ukraine, so he's got a lot on his plate. People are watching to see how he'll manage the military's money and what new plans he might have.
The shake-up has got people guessing. Some were surprised to see Shoigu go, but others thought it was bound to happen sooner or later. Belousov's appointment shows that Russia's thinking hard about how it uses its military and its money together.
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Recent Developments and Future Outlook
The Russian defence ministry has been busy lately. They've been talking about how they're going to invest more in the army, including making it bigger, speeding up weapon programs, and bringing in new hypersonic missiles. They're also ramping up weapon production for the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. This shows that Russia is serious about keeping its military strong and ready for anything.
The ministry also made a statement about how they're doing in Ukraine, saying their soldiers are doing a great job and that they're keeping the country safe. They've been dealing with what they call "hybrid warfare" from the West, with lots of support going to Ukraine.
Conclusion
So, there you have it. Sergei Shoigu is moving on, and Andrei Belousov is taking over. It's a big change for Russia, and it could mean some new ways of doing things in the future. Everyone's keeping an eye on what happens next, especially with all the new investments and plans for the military.
Inputs from various agencies
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