In 2023, a public feud erupted between late Wagner mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin and the higher echelons of the Russian military, particularly Defense Minister Shoigu. Prigozhin accused Shoigu of incompetence, leading a mutiny before dying in a mysterious plane crash.
Despite recent military successes for Russia, Shoigu’s reputation remains tarnished. The Defense Minister had faced pressure even before Prigozhin’s revolt, following setbacks in Russia’s 2022 offensive.
Shoigu’s decades-long political career, which predates Putin’s rise to power, has been marked by his rise from emergency situations minister in 1994 to defense minister in 2012. He became a popular figure known for his handling of disasters and eventually earned high military commendations.
However, the failed Ukrainian offensive raised concerns about Shoigu’s leadership. Reduced to limited appearances and lacking major military experience, Shoigu’s future remains uncertain.
Despite his past successes, including overseeing operations in Syria, Shoigu’s reputation has been significantly impacted by recent events.
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