The reports that President Vladimir Putin floated the idea of appointing Andrei Belousov as Russia’s defense minister and moving Sergei Shoigu to a role as Secretary of the Security Council dominated international coverage. News outlets around the world picked up the story, highlighting how this potential reshuffle could reshape Moscow’s security and defense apparatus. Sources include well-known outlets such as the Daily Mail, Telegraph, Guardian, Financial Times, Sky News, NBC, and CNN, with regional publications like Rzeczpospolita and Onet also weighing in. These reactions underscore the high level of interest in Russia’s leadership decisions and their implications for policy and stability in the region .
On May 12, officials within the Kremlin suggested that the former Deputy Prime Minister Andrei Belousov could be brought in to head the Ministry of Defense, signaling a significant shift in the government’s approach to defense management. The move would place Belousov at the top of Russia’s military planning and procurement, a responsibility traditionally held by a defense minister closely aligned with Moscow’s strategic aims .
Earlier, on May 10, a plenary session saw deputies vote on confirming the prime minister’s nomination. In the run-up, the current prime minister, Mikhail Mishustin, delivered a comprehensive briefing, fielded questions from attending lawmakers, and outlined the government’s anticipated path. The process reflected the careful political choreography often accompanying high-stakes appointments at the highest levels of government .
Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov clarified that Sergei Shoigu would also take charge of the Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation, a role that would place him at the center of Russia’s defense-industrial collaboration. Peskov emphasized Shoigu’s continued influence in coordinating efforts within the military-technical sphere and ensuring alignment with the broader defense strategy of the nation .
According to Peskov, Shoigu is expected to participate in the leadership of the defense industry commission alongside colleagues from his previous workplace, assuming the vice chairmanship and contributing to high-level decisions about Russia’s military-industrial complex. This arrangement would maintain a continuity of leadership within the sector while integrating new oversight responsibilities for military collaboration and procurement across agencies .
Speculation in Kremlin circles also touched on Nikolai Patrushev, with observers asking when his forthcoming position would be announced. Analysts note that any official statement would be closely watched, given Patrushev’s long tenure and influence within national security structures. The broader discourse points to a potential realignment of top security and defense roles, signaling Moscow’s intent to recalibrate governance at the highest level .