Nikolai Patrushev is stepping down from his role as Secretary of the Russian Security Council as he moves to a different position. The Kremlin plans to announce his new assignment in the coming days, according to the press secretary of President Dmitry Peskov, who briefed reporters on the matter. Patrushev has long been a central figure in Russia’s security apparatus, and his shift signals a broader reshuffle at the top levels of the administration. The internal decision appears to reflect a balancing of responsibilities at the highest level, with officials preparing to reveal where Patrushev will focus his efforts next.
During the briefing, Peskov confirmed that Patrushev will continue to serve in a capacity that will be clarified shortly. He stressed that the change is not a retirement but a reallocation of duties, and that the public will be informed about Patrushev’s new channel of work within a few days. The remarks underscore the Kremlin’s intent to maintain continuity in Russia’s security policy while reconfiguring leadership roles to adapt to evolving priorities.
In another line of the administration’s reshuffle, Sergei Shoigu has been named head of the Ministry of Defense and continues to serve as Secretary of the Security Council. The appointment consolidates Shoigu’s leadership over both strategic defense planning and the coordination of security council activities, a combination that may influence how military and security policies are formulated and implemented.
On May 12, President Vladimir Putin offered former Deputy Prime Minister Andrei Belousov the role of head of the Russian Ministry of Defense. This nomination, if confirmed by the legislative process, would mark a significant expansion of Belousov’s responsibilities and signal trust in his capacity to oversee defense affairs during a period of strategic recalibration. The moment also reflects Putin’s ongoing practice of reshuffling senior posts to align leadership with current policy goals and international considerations.
Earlier, on May 10, a plenary session took place where deputies discussed and voted on the nomination for the head of government. Prior to the vote, Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin prepared a detailed report and answered questions from members of the assembly. The exchange highlighted the legislative branch’s engagement with executive leadership and offered a window into how the government plans to advance its agenda in the near term.
There have also been discussions about adjustments in the diplomatic leadership. Putin had previously indicated that Sergei Lavrov could be reassigned, with the possibility of Lavrov taking the helm of the Foreign Ministry, a move that would reshape Russia’s diplomatic posture. While no final decision is stated here, the prospect of a reshuffle underscores the careful planning underway within the leadership circles as they seek to optimize the country’s strategic messaging and foreign policy execution.