Russian President Vladimir Putin has made a significant shake-up in his administration, announcing the removal of his long-time ally Sergei Shoigu from the position of defence minister.
Shoigu, who has served in the role since 2012, will now take on the role of secretary of Russia’s Security Council.
This move, outlined in papers released by the upper chamber of the Russian parliament, will see Deputy Prime Minister Andrei Belousov stepping into Shoigu’s former position.
The Kremlin cited the need for innovation within the defence ministry as a reason for the change.
Putin also expressed his intention for Shoigu to succeed Nikolai Patrushev on the Security Council, although Patrushev’s new role remains undisclosed.
Shoigu, known for his close ties to Putin and their shared pastime of fishing in Siberia, originally rose to prominence as head of the emergency and disaster relief ministry in the 1990s.
Despite lacking a military background, his appointment as defence minister was met with some controversy among military officials. Belousov, Shoigu’s suggested replacement, brings an economic background to the role, marking a surprising choice for some observers.
