RONZHEIMER. Politics and War Putin's Plan for a Completely Different War
May 15, 2024
Filipp Piatov, journalist and colleague of the host, helps probe Kremlin power shifts and what they mean for the Russia-Ukraine war. They unpack Shoigu's dismissal, Belousov's rise, and infighting in the defense sector. The conversation covers Putin preparing for a long war, Western disunity, and recent fighting around Kharkiv.
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Economist Appointed To Run A War Economy
- Replacing Shoigu with economist Andrei Belusov signals a shift toward a war-focused economy and technical management.
- Paul explains Belusov's background in Rosneft and says the Defense Ministry now functions partly as a finance ministry.
Reshuffle Is About Loyalty Not Reform
- Putin's personnel moves reward loyalty and deter criticism within the Kremlin.
- Paul argues Shoigu remains close to Putin and that reshuffle signals loyalty is expected rather than open reform.
Industry Clash Possibly Drove Shoigu's Exit
- Internal conflicts between the Defense Ministry and arms industry may have prompted the change.
- Filipp Piatov cites Meduza reporting that Shoigu clashed with Rostec over inadequate supplies, driving the appointment of a technocrat.