Russia’s President Vladimir Putin has initiated a Cabinet shakeup, proposing the replacement of Sergei Shoigu as defense minister as he begins his fifth term in office. Following Putin's recent inauguration, the entire Russian Cabinet resigned in accordance with Russian law. While most members were expected to retain their positions, Shoigu's fate remained uncertain.
Putin signed a decree appointing Shoigu as secretary of Russia's national security council, with the announcement made shortly after Putin proposed Andrei Belousov as Shoigu's replacement. Belousov's candidacy requires approval by Russia's upper house in parliament, the Federation Council. Putin also introduced proposals for other Cabinet positions, but Shoigu is the only minister being replaced. Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, reappointed by Putin, proposed several new candidates for federal ministers.
Shoigu's deputy, Timur Ivanov, was recently arrested on bribery charges, leading to speculation about Shoigu's potential dismissal. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that Putin chose a civilian for the defense minister role to promote innovation and cutting-edge ideas, with Belousov, a former first deputy prime minister, considered the right candidate.
Tatiana Stanovaya, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center, suggested that Shoigu's appointment to the Security Council reflects Putin's strategy of retaining key figures. Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, for example, has served as the council's deputy chairman since 2020.
The announcement of Shoigu's new role coincided with a tragic event in Belgorod, where 12 people were reported dead and 20 wounded due to a residential building collapse, allegedly caused by Ukrainian shelling. In response to Russia's renewed ground offensive in Ukraine's northeast, thousands of civilians have fled, and intense battles have forced Ukrainian units to withdraw in some areas, allowing Russian forces to gain ground.
Russian forces have attacked multiple settlements in the Kharkiv region, with the town of Vovchansk becoming a focal point. Evacuations are ongoing, with at least 4,000 civilians fleeing the region since the operation began. Analysts suggest that Russia's strategy aims to exploit ammunition shortages before Western supplies reach Ukrainian forces.
The Russian offensive follows increased attacks in March targeting energy infrastructure and settlements, likely intended to create conditions for a larger offensive. Meanwhile, in Belgorod, near the border, a 10-story apartment building collapsed, killing at least 12 people and injuring 20, reportedly due to Ukrainian shelling.
The Russian Defense Ministry claims its forces have captured several villages along Ukraine's Kharkiv region, likely due to the dynamic fighting and heavy shelling, which could facilitate further Russian advances. Ukraine's leadership has not confirmed these gains, but reports indicate Russian occupation in certain areas, with Russian forces staging attacks from these locations.