Reports emerged that Sergei Shoigu, after being removed from his long-held position as defense minister, encountered a snag gaining entry into a Chinese government building due to issues with his pass. This incident followed his surprising replacement by Andrei Belousov, an economist, leaving many puzzled given Shoigu's pivotal role in Putin's Ukraine invasion since 2012.
Accompanying Putin on a state visit to China, Shoigu found himself in an unexpected situation as organizers hesitated to grant him access to the People's Assembly. Despite his prominent past role, Shoigu had to wait patiently before gaining entry, a scene described vividly by journalist Andrei Kolesnikov.
Eventually admitted, Shoigu participated in talks alongside Putin, though notably absent from a crucial enlarged meeting, prompting speculation about the significance of his sidelining.
Putin's decision to replace Shoigu fueled rumors about prioritizing defense spending and aligning the economy with wartime strategies. The move, termed "highly symbolic" by independent news outlet The Bell, underscores the importance of economic management in prolonged conflicts.
Shoigu's new role as secretary of Russia's Security Council marks a shift, with him stepping into the shoes of former FSB director Nikolai Patrushev, who now serves as a Kremlin aide. These developments reflect a broader reorganization within Putin's inner circle.
Login