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Putin decides to transfer Shoigu from Russian defence ministry

Published : 13 May 2024, 03:08

DF News Desk

Russian President Vladimir Putin talks with Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu after the Victory Day military parade, which marks the 79th anniversary of the Soviet victory in the Great Patriotic War, Russia's term for World War II, on Red Square in Moscow, Russia, May 9, 2024. File Photo: Xinhua.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Sunday announced to replace his long serving defence minister Sergei Shoigu, international media reported, quoting the Kremlin.

Putin proposed appointing Andrey Belousov, who previously served as the first deputy prime minister, as Russia’s new defense minister.

Shoigu, the 68-year-old minister has been in the role since 2012 will replace Nikolay Patrushev as the Security Council Secretary.

Shoigu has close links with President Putin, often taking him on fishing trips in his native Siberia, reported British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC).

He was given the defence portfolio despite having no military background, which rankled with some of his top brass, said the BBC report.

Other heads of security ministries and services, as well as Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, will retain their posts in the government, reported Russian news agency TASS.

The president has also proposed appointing Boris Kovalchuk as the Chairman of the Accounts Chamber. This post has been vacant for one year and a half.