Putin taps economist to run defense, replacing Shoigu | REUTERS

Vladimir Putin tapped a civilian Economist as his surprised new defense minister on Sunday it's an attempt by the Russian president to prepare Russia for economic War by trying to better utilize the defense budget and harness greater Innovation to win in Ukraine more than two years into the conflict which has costed both sides heavy casualties Putin proposed Andre balov to replace his long-term Ally Sergey shyu as defense minister balov is a 65-year-old former deputy prime minister who specializes in economics and has played an important role in overseeing Russia's drone program he is known to be very close to Putin and shares the Russian leaders vision of rebuilding a strong State meanwhile Putin wants shyu to become the secretary of Russia's powerful Security Council his new job is technically regarded as a step up to his defense Ministry role which ensures continuity and allows him to say face shyu was heavily criticized by Russian military bloggers for a series of ret treats the Russian military was forced to make in 2022 Kremlin spokesman Dimitri pesov said the change made sense because Russia was approaching a situation like the Soviet Union in the mid 1980s when the military and law enforcement authorities accounted for 7.4% of gross domestic product pesov said that meant it was vital to ensure such spending was better integrated into the country's overall economy it was why Putin now wanted a civilian Economist in the defense Ministry job pesov added Russia's economists have so far largely ensured economic stability and growth despite the toughest sanctions ever imposed on a major economy the changes are the most significant Putin has made since launching what he called a special military operation in Ukraine in 2022 they indicate Putin is eager to harness more of Russia's economy for the Ukraine war

Channel: Reuters

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Id: o_8CS2h1YxA

Length: 1min 54sec (114 seconds)

Published: Mon May 13 2024