Putin taps civilian economist to run defence

President Vladimir Putin has nominated civilian Andrei Belousov, a former deputy prime minister who specialises in economics, as Russia’s new defence minister, replacing Sergei Shoigu

Mar 17, 1959: Andrei Belousov born in Moscow, Russia
 
1981: Graduates from Faculty of Economics of Moscow State University with distinction

2000: Appointed non-staff adviser to Russian prime minister

2006: Joins economy ministry as deputy minister

2008-2012: Serves as director of government department for economics and finance

2012: Made economics minister

2013-2020: Adviser to Russian president. Reportedly helped to convince Putin that digital economy and blockchain were crucial to Russia’s future

2020-2024: Works as first deputy prime minister of Russia. Temporarily performs duties of Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin after latter is diagnosed with Covid

May 2024
Nominated as defence minister, replacing long- time Putin friend and ally Sergei Shoigu (right) – in charge of defence since 2012

Move seen by some analysts as indication that Putin seeks to align Russian economy more closely with war effort in Ukraine
 
Putin wants Shoigu to become secretary of Russia’s powerful Security Council, replacing incumbent Nikolai Patrushev
 
 Sources: BBC, Reuters Pictures: Getty Images © GRAPHIC NEWS