Russian President Vladimir Putin made significant changes to Russia’s military leadership by sacking four deputy defence ministers and appointing Anna Tsivileva, who is said to be his close relative, to a top defence ministry post. Tsivileva is the daughter of Putin’s cousin, marking a family connection within the ministry.
The new appointments come after the removal of long-time defence chief Sergei Shoigu, demonstrating a shift in Russia’s military hierarchy. Analysts believe that these changes are aimed at gaining tighter control over military spending and enhancing Russia’s military capabilities compared to Ukraine.
Tsivileva, who was previously hit with sanctions by Britain in 2022, will now oversee social welfare and benefits for soldiers at the defence ministry. The changes reflect the largest overhaul in Russia’s defence ministry since its involvement in Ukraine’s conflict in 2022.