Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to make significant changes to his cabinet, with plans to replace Sergei Shoigu as defence minister and appoint him as secretary of the Security Council instead.
The Kremlin announced that Andrei Belousov, an expert in economics and former deputy prime minister, will take over as the new defence minister.
This reshuffle coincides with Putin’s fifth term in office, following the resignation of the entire cabinet after his recent inauguration.
Approval from Russia’s upper house of parliament, the Federation Council, is required for Belousov to assume his new role.
Shoigu, who has been defence minister since 2012, faced challenges recently with one of his deputies, Timur Ivanov, being arrested on bribery charges.
The decision to appoint a civilian like Belousov as defence minister was made to bring fresh perspectives and ideas to the ministry, according to Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov.
Putin’s victory in the March election was marred by controversy, as some candidates critical of the war in Ukraine were barred from running.
The reshuffle comes amid escalating conflict in northeastern Ukraine, with Russian forces advancing and civilians fleeing the violence.
The town of Vovchansk, one of the largest in the region, has been heavily impacted by the ongoing battles.
Post from www.aljazeera.com