Russian President Vladimir Putin suggested replacing Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu with former vice prime minister Andrei Belousov, according to a statement from the Federation Council, Russia’s upper house of parliament, on Telegram.
Shoigu was assigned to lead the Kremlin’s security council, as reported by Russian state media. reportedThis information was revealed by spokesperson Dmitry Peskov.
The news came shortly after Putin began started his fifth term as president.
The change also occurs as Russia initiated a new major attack Friday in Ukraine’s Kharkiv region, compelling Ukrainian troops to readjust and defend against a new front. Russia continues to exert heavy pressure on Ukrainian forces along the frontline, making significant progress in the Donetsk region after delays in receiving new U.S. military aid to Kyiv.
Shoigu’s new role comes after his deputy, Timur Ivanov, was arrested and is under investigation for accepting a large bribe, as indicated by Russian state media.
