Putin's latest reshuffle hints at a prolonged war with new defense minister

Vladimir Putin wants Andrey Belousov, currently serving as Deputy Prime Minister, to assume the role of Defense Minister, taking over from Sergei Shoigu. Masha Makarova, a Russian journalist, interprets Putin's reshuffling as a sign of his intention to perpetuate the conflict possibly until his tenure concludes. "The changes Putin is enacting suggest he plans to continue the war possibly till the end of his rule in Russia," she notes.

This Sunday, Putin unveiled his choices for the revamped government, endorsing Deputy Prime Minister Andrey Belousov as the next Russian Defense Minister. Sergei Shoigu, the outgoing head of the department, has been designated as chairman of the Russian Security Council, stepping into the shoes of Nikolai Patrushev— a prominent Kremlin figure and one of Putin's trusted allies.

"Early reactions from Russian political analysts imply that Putin is assembling a cabinet poised for a prolonged conflict. The adjustments he's instituting signify his resolve to sustain the war, perhaps even through the remainder of his presidency," Masha Makarova remarks.

Makarova highlights that Belousov, poised to succeed Sergei Shoigu and currently Deputy Prime Minister, served as Minister of Economic Development during 2012-2013, with a career largely intertwined with economic affairs.

"This move by Putin suggests a shift towards gearing the Russian economy for warfare. He seems to have no vision for the economy beyond its mobilization for the war," she asserts.

The journalist stresses her belief that these transformations signal, "Putin's determination to press on with the war rather than pursuing any form of negotiations.

"Putin’s fifth term along with his new government equate to a wartime era and a war cabinet. Unlike before, when there were individuals in the government inadvertently caught in the war against Ukraine, now, those in power are making deliberate decisions. They are well aware that they are part of a war cabinet, steering a country engaged in ongoing conflict," she points out.

Moreover, she mentions the significance of upcoming appointments within the general staff's leadership. "The future developments on the front will hinge on these decisions. There’s speculation around Valery Gerasimov being a potential candidate. Nonetheless, the decisions made in the imminent days will be telling," she adds.