Several Russian defense ministry personnel have been arrested on corruption charges over the last month. Corruption functions as both a carrot and a stick within Russia, with officials being targeted based on compromising information that the state has on them. The reason for the recent arrests is unclear, with theories ranging from Putin reasserting control over the Defense Ministry amid the war in Ukraine to a turf battle between the military and security services. The arrests began with the arrest of a Russian deputy defense minister and have since expanded to include other senior military officials.
Corruption has been a longstanding issue in Russia, with officials accused of profiting from their positions for decades. The war in Ukraine has led to increased defense spending, creating more opportunities for graft. The recent arrests are not a “campaign” against corruption, according to Putin’s spokesman. Former Deputy Defense Minister Timur Ivanov, the highest-ranking official arrested so far, faces allegations of taking large bribes. Other arrests include Lt. Gen. Yury Kuznetsov, Maj. Gen. Ivan Popov, and Lt. Gen. Vadim Shamarin. The arrests may suggest that egregious corruption within the Defense Ministry will no longer be tolerated.
The recent arrests raise questions about why they are happening now. Putin replaced longtime Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu with economist Andrei Belousov shortly after his fifth term inauguration. Peskov emphasized the need for Russia’s defense budget to align with the country’s wider economy. Belousov’s appointment signifies a recognition of the need to address problems within the military leadership. The war in Ukraine is critical for Russia’s economy, with defense sector growth contributing to higher salaries but also creating inflation.
It is unclear whether the recent arrests are part of a turf battle between the Kremlin, security services like the FSB, and the military or a move by Putin to reassert control over the Defense Ministry. The security services might be attempting to push back against the military’s dominance seen since the invasion of Ukraine in 2022. More arrests are likely to follow as the new defense minister aims to show that corruption comes with a price. The widespread nature of corruption within the system may lead to panic if officials are arrested for behaviors that were previously allowed.
The situation is complicated by the fact that the Russian system is built on corruption, and attacking it too aggressively may cause the system to “fall apart.” More arrests could lead to finger-pointing and officials rushing to exit the system, something that the Kremlin aims to avoid. The new defense minister may be clearing out his predecessor’s associates and signaling a change in how things are done within the Defense Ministry. Whether the arrests continue or are expanded beyond the Defense Ministry remains to be seen. The ongoing situation raises questions about the complex interplay between corruption, politics, and power in Russia.
