In a major reshuffle of military leadership, Russian President Vladimir Putin has replaced his defense minister Sergei Shoigu with economist Andrey Belousov. This move comes over two years following Russia’s war once morest Ukraine and amidst speculation of infighting within the highest echelons of power. Belousov, a civilian who previously served as the first deputy prime minister and specializes in economics, has been appointed to the top defense post.
Shoigu has been relieved of his position but will remain influential as secretary of Russia’s Security Council, replacing Nikolai Patrushev. He will also become the deputy in Russia’s Military-Industrial Commission. Shoigu had led the country’s defense ministry for 12 years and was responsible for the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. However, he faced criticism for his handling of the conflict, with some describing him as remote and out-of-touch.
Belousov’s appointment indicates a focus on outgunning Ukraine, as Russia’s strategy continues to evolve. Putin’s decision reflects the need for innovation and the rising budget of the Ministry of Defense, which is approaching levels last seen during the Cold War. The appointment of a civilian to this position emphasizes the importance of being open to innovation on the battlefield.
Rising Military Spending and the Need for Innovation
The appointment of Andrey Belousov as Russia’s new defense minister signals a continuation of the country’s strategy to outgun Ukraine. Belousov’s background in economics and previous leadership roles in Russia’s government make him well-suited to oversee the rising military budget. With geopolitical circumstances pushing military spending close to Cold War levels, innovation has become crucial to maintaining an advantage on the battlefield.
The current military system, led by Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov, will remain unchanged. Shoigu will now oversee Russia’s military industrial complex, leveraging his deep understanding of production at specific enterprises. Despite Shoigu’s limited hands-on military experience, his new role
