Russian President Vladimir Putin made significant changes to the top leadership of the Defense Ministry, appointing a woman who has been labeled as his “close relative” by the West. This move is part of a larger shake-up in Russia’s military leadership, which also included the removal of longtime defense chief Sergei Shoigu last month.
Analysts believe that the restructuring at the top of the defense establishment is aimed at enhancing Moscow’s military capabilities and gaining tighter control over military spending. Putin issued decrees to replace four deputy defense ministers, with individuals like Anna Tsivilyova and Pavel Fradkov being among their replacements.
While Tsivilyova has been subject to sanctions by Britain for being “Putin’s first cousin once removed,” she will now oversee social welfare and benefits for soldiers at the Defense Ministry. Fradkov, on the other hand, comes from a prominent family background with ties to intelligence and politics.
These changes mark the largest overhaul of Russia’s Defense Ministry since its involvement in Ukraine in 2022. With tensions escalating on the battlefield, Putin’s demands for Ukraine’s withdrawal from certain territories have been met with resistance, leading to diplomatic challenges at recent summits.