The Kremlin is preparing: the ISW explained the sudden resignation of the Russian Defense Minister Shogu (Photo)

Personnel changes in the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation indicate that Vladimir Putin takes significant steps in the direction of mobilizing the Russian economy and a defense-industrial base to support a long war in Ukraine and is probably preparing for a future confrontation with NATO. This is stated in the report of the Institute of War Study (ISW) for May 12.

Analysts believe that the replacement of Sergei Shoigu with Andrei Belousov, who has no military experience, but is an economist by profession that the Russian president is trying to create complete economic conditions for a protracted war. Belousov participated in the management of various domestic innovative projects in the field of defense industrial complex and drones, which prepared it well for the management of the Russian Defense Ministry.

It has a strong reputation of effective technocrat, and insider sources claim that he has a positive relationship with Putin. In January 2023, Belousov personally announced that Russia had completed the Project "Unmanned Aviation Systems". It provides for the allocation of 696 billion rubles (about $ 7 billion) for the production of 32 thousand drones per year until 2030.

Analysts write that Putin is seriously concerned about the level of corruption and the misuse of funds in the department, as well as conflicts between the military. The unnamed Russian federal official declared the Russian opposition publication "Important History" that in the new position Belous will work on "competent organization ".

The ISW explained that the release of Mykola Patrushev from the post of Secretary of the Russian Council and appointment to his place by Sergiy Shoig corresponds to Putin's general policy on quiet displacement of high -ranking security officials - instead of release of such persons, the peripheral role of the Russian safety is assigned to such persons. We will remind, on May 12, Vladimir Putin proposed to replace Sergiy Shoigu with Andrei Belousov as Minister of Defense of Russia.