Russian President Vladimir Putin has made significant changes to the leadership of the Defense Ministry as part of a military reshuffle. This shake-up comes after the removal of longtime defense chief Sergei Shoigu and the appointment of economist Andrey Belousov in his place. Putin has also appointed new deputy defense ministers, including Anna Tsivilyova, who is reportedly his cousin’s daughter, and Pavel Fradkov, the son of his former spy boss and prime minister.
Tsivilyova, who has been described by the West as a “close relative” of Putin, has been targeted with sanctions by Britain and listed as a close relative by the European Union. She previously headed a major coal company and a government-backed fund to support the families of soldiers fighting in Ukraine. In her new role at the Defense Ministry, Tsivilyova will oversee social welfare and benefits for soldiers. Fradkov, a senior official in Putin’s administration and the son of a former prime minister and intelligence chief, has also been appointed as a deputy defense minister.
The changes in leadership at the Defense Ministry are seen as a major overhaul, the largest since Russia sent troops into Ukraine in 2022. This move comes as Russian forces continue to advance on the battlefield, with Putin demanding Ukraine’s withdrawal from certain regions as a precondition for peace talks. Kyiv has rejected these demands, viewing them as a territorial ultimatum reminiscent of Adolf Hitler’s actions. Despite this, Ukraine received support at a diplomatic summit in Switzerland for the principle that its territorial integrity should be respected in any peace deal with Russia.
Analysts believe that the shake-up in Russia’s defense establishment is aimed at tightening control over the military’s vast spending and increasing Moscow’s ability to outspend and outlast Ukraine and its Western allies on the battlefield. The appointment of individuals with close ties to Putin, such as Tsivilyova and Fradkov, is seen as a way for the Kremlin to have greater influence over military decision-making. The changes in leadership also come amidst the arrest of several high-ranking military figures on corruption charges, indicating a broader effort to root out corruption within the military.
The ongoing conflict in Ukraine remains a key focus for Russia, with Putin pushing for Ukrainian forces to withdraw from certain regions before any peace talks can occur. This insistence has been met with resistance from Kyiv, which views the demands as unreasonable and potentially destabilizing. The recent diplomatic summit in Switzerland highlighted the international community’s support for Ukraine’s territorial integrity, though some key countries refrained from openly backing this position. The situation in Ukraine continues to be a point of contention between Russia and Western allies, with the conflict showing no sign of resolution in the near future.
Overall, the appointment of new leadership at Russia’s Defense Ministry, including individuals with close ties to Putin, marks a significant shift in the country’s military leadership. The changes come at a critical time in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, with Russia seeking to maintain its military advantage and exert greater control over decision-making within the armed forces. The shake-up is part of a broader effort to consolidate power and resources within the military establishment, as Russia continues its military campaign in Ukraine and faces international pressure to negotiate a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
