Russian President Vladimir Putin has made a significant move to replace Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu, appointing economist Andrey Belousov as his replacement. This shake-up comes at a critical juncture in the ongoing conflict with Ukraine, with Russian troops advancing in eastern Ukraine and launching a major ground operation in the northeastern Kharkiv region. Despite earlier setbacks in the conflict, including failed attempts to capture key territories, Putin had stood by Shoigu until now. The Kremlin cited the need for the defence ministry to embrace innovation as a key factor in the decision to replace Shoigu.
Putin Replaces Defence Minister Amid Ukraine Conflict
![](https://affairsace-media.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/2024/05/14091819/newindianexpress_2024-05_fffba63c-3779-4061-ab90-b731e2d210b1_Vladimir_Putin-ezgif.com-avif-to-jpg-converter-860x484.jpg)