In a significant move, Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to replace Sergei Shoigu as defence minister, with Shoigu being reassigned as the head of Russia’s national security council. The Kremlin announced that Shoigu will take over from Nikolai Patrushev in his new role, with Patrushev’s new position yet to be disclosed.

This shuffle follows Putin’s proposal of Andrei Belousov as the country’s new defence minister, in place of Shoigu. The decision comes amidst heightened scrutiny of defence spending, particularly after a deputy defence minister, Timur Ivanov, was accused of bribery by state prosecutors.

Reacting to Shoigu’s removal, UK Defence Secretary Grant Shapps criticized Shoigu’s legacy, citing casualties among Russian soldiers and civilian suffering, particularly in Ukraine. Shapps called for a Defence Minister who would reverse the perceived disastrous legacy and end the invasion.

This reshuffle marks one of the most significant military command changes undertaken by Putin since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022. The announcement coincides with Russia’s renewed armoured push across the border in north-eastern Ukraine, underlining the ongoing geopolitical tensions in the region.