Putin appoints economist as Russia’s new defense minister

The president of Russia, Vladimir Putinhas decided this Sunday to replace one of the members of his nearest circlethe Minister of Defense, Sergei Shoiguby a trusted economist, Andrei Belousov. “Today, on the battlefield, the one who is most open to innovation, most open to implementing (new developments) as quickly as possible wins,” Putin’s spokesman, Dmitri Peskov, explained yesterday.

Simultaneously, the Kremlin released the decree of Shoigu’s dismissal and his appointment as the new secretary of the Russian Security Council, in place of Nikolai Patrushev, considered one of the most influential men in the country and whose fate is expected to be revealed in “the next few years.” days”.

Peskov argued that Russia’s defense spending is increasing, requiring a new approach to the functioning of the Defense Ministry. “It is very important to now incorporate the defense economy into the country’s economy, and do so in such a way that corresponds to the dynamics of the moment,” he insisted.

In this sense, he recalled that Belousov, first deputy prime minister, in the past successfully headed the Ministry of Economic Development of Russia, and for a long time served as presidential advisor on economic affairs. “At the current stage the president decided that the Ministry of Defense should be headed by a civilian,” he said, adding that one of the tasks of Belousov, until now the number two in the Government, will be modernize the Defense portfolio and make it more competitive.

Shoigu was appointed Defense Minister in November 2012, months after Putin returned to the Kremlin after four years as prime minister. His replacement comes after 27 months of war, and after much criticism from hawks and experts about the lack of results of the Russian Army on the battlefield. Now, he will become secretary of the Russian Security Council, one of the most important bodies in the country along with the Presidential Administration and the Government.