Russian President Vladimir Putin fired Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu over bribery allegations, replacing him with economist Andrey Belousov. Some experts believe this significant reshuffle in military leadership may stem from infighting among top officials.
Throughout the two-year war with Ukraine, Putin has used such changes to signal his intent to eliminate corruption in the ministry and better harness Russia’s war economy to meet soldiers’ needs. In the latest reshuffle, Putin has appointed several close allies to key positions.
Here’s who they are:
Anna Tsivileva, a psychiatrist and daughter of Putin’s late cousin, has been appointed deputy defense minister. Her responsibilities will include improving social and housing support for military personnel.
Dmitry Patrushev, son of Nikolai Patrushev, the former head of the country’s security council, has been appointed Russia’s deputy PM. He previously served as the country’s Agriculture Minister.
Boris Kovalchuk, son of media and business tycoon Yuri Kovalchuk, has been appointed the new deputy head of the Presidential Control Directorate and will oversee Russia’s audit chamber.
Pavel Fradkov, son of former Prime Minister Mikhail Fradkov, has been named deputy defense minister. He will work alongside Tsivileva and Oleg Savelyev to manage military property, land, and construction.
Roman Rotenberg, head of Russia’s ice hockey federation and coach of two top-performing teams, has also been included in the new appointments.