The recent personnel changes in the Russian Ministry of Defense have garnered widespread attention, particularly amid the current critical situation with NATO.
Of significant note is the sudden departure of long-serving Defense Minister Shoigu at the onset of Putin's fifth presidential term, attracting considerable scrutiny.
His replacement by a former Deputy Prime Minister with a background in economics holds significant implications.
However, what's even more surprising is that on the second day following Shoigu's departure, the First Deputy Minister of Defense, Chalikov, submitted his resignation.
Simultaneously, there were reports of another deputy minister, Krivoruchko, resigning from his position.
Additionally, Lieutenant General Yuri Kuznetsov, the head of the key personnel department of the Russian Ministry of Defense, was arrested at his home, reportedly on charges related to criminal activities during his tenure as head of the Defense Ministry's secret service.
This series of changes has sparked various speculations, leading to questions about whether significant upheaval is imminent within the top echelons of the Russian government.
In a country as unique as Russia, considering its national characteristics, governmental structure, and key factors such as individuals, these personnel changes are actually quite reasonable.
It's crucial to consider the backgrounds and relationships of individuals like Shoigu and Chalikov. Chalikov, who is one year younger than Shoigu, comes from an economics background.
Since graduating from the Moscow National Economic Institute in 1983, he has held various positions, including Minister of Finance of North Ossetia, after the dissolution of the Soviet Union.
Since 1994, he has been alongside Shoigu in his political career, up to the present day.
Under Shoigu's leadership, Chalikov was responsible for matters such as the deployment of Russian troops, housing construction, and financial management, accumulating extensive experience and resources.
Moreover, his family owns extensive real estate in Moscow, with assets exceeding 3.5 billion rubles. His children also own real estate worth over 1 billion rubles.
This accumulation of wealth, compared to the recent takedown of Ivanov, seems relatively restrained.
Other deputy ministers from the Shoigu era have also been mentioned, such as Reserve Major General Nikolai Pankov, responsible for personnel and human resources, and General Viktor Goremykin, in charge of military political work, both of whom were close to Shoigu.
Although the newly appointed Defense Minister, Belousov, has not officially taken office, he has already demonstrated a tough stance.
He announced an increase in allowances to 200,000 rubles for soldiers involved in the Ukrainian war, and housing subsidies and rehabilitation measures for those participating in special military operations.
The implementation of these policies indicates that Belousov will carry out sweeping reforms within the Ministry of Defense, with these personnel changes being part of his reform plan.
Overall, these personnel changes align with the strategic needs and internal dynamics of the Russian government.
With the evolving situation of the NATO war and changes in the economic landscape, the Russian government must make corresponding adjustments to safeguard national interests and security.
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