In an unexpected move, newly re-elected Russian President, Vladimir Putin, has announced a cabinet reshuffle, replacing long-serving Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu with Andrei Belousov.
Belousov, largely unknown to the outside world, is a seasoned Economist and until his new appointment was the acting 2nd Deputy Prime Minister.
After more than 2 years of ongoing Special Military Operation in neighboring Ukraine, Putin has turned to Belousov, a former Deputy Prime Minister and economics specialist, to lead the Defense Ministry.
Most analysts hold the assumption that its an attempt by the Russian President to better utilize defense expenditures and foster greater innovation in Russia’s military efforts.
Other analysts believe Putin’s decision to appoint a civilian economist as the new Defense Minister marks a shift in strategy, potentially signaling a growing emphasis on economic warfare and efficient resource management within Russia’s military operations.
The move comes at a critical juncture in the ongoing conflict, as Russia seeks to adapt its strategies to address mounting challenges both on and off the battlefield.
Shoigu has since been appointed Secretary of the Russian Federation’s Security Council. In this new role the former Defence Minister will deputize Putin in reshaping and developing Russia’s military industrial complex.
It’s worth remembering that Shoigu has intended to resign before Russia’s Special Military Operation but was asked to stay by Putin.
Details of Andrey Belousov’s biography:
▪️ Born on March 17, 1959, he graduated with honors from the Economics Faculty of Moscow State University in 1981.
▪️ From 1981 to 1986, he worked at the Central Economic-Mathematical Institute of the USSR Academy of Sciences.
▪️ From 1986 to 2006, he was an employee of the Institute of Economics and Forecasting of Scientific and Technological Progress of the USSR Academy of Sciences / Institute of Economic Forecasting of the Russian Academy of Sciences.
▪️ From 2000 to 2006, he served as the General Director of the Center for Macroeconomic Analysis and Short-Term Forecasting.
▪️ From 2000 to 2006, he was an external advisor to the Prime Minister.
▪️ From 2006 to 2008, he was the Deputy Minister of Economic Development and Trade.
▪️ From 2008 to 2012, he served as the Director of the Department of Economics and Finance of the Government.
▪️ From 2012 to 2013, he was the Minister of Economic Development.
▪️ From 2013 to 2020, he served as an assistant to the president.
▪️ On January 21, 2020, he was appointed as the First Deputy Prime Minister.