Western media describe changes in Russian defense bloc as 'rare'
(Baonghean.vn) - Western media calls the changes in Russia's defense security bloc rare, unexpected and meaningful.
According to RIA Novosti on May 13, Western media paid special attention to changes in the leadership of the Ministry of Defense and other Russian agencies. Recent reforms in Russia were even reported on the front page, and were described as "unexpected".
The Financial Times said that Russian President Putin's appointment of new positions marks "the biggest change in Russia's security ranks in a decade and a half". The Washington Post (USA) also considered this reform "serious" for Russia's security sector.
Meanwhile, the New York Times described these changes as "rare" and commented that it was unclear "how much power Sergei Shoigu will continue to retain in the special military operation".
The Independent called the shake-up of Russia's security establishment the most significant since the start of the special military campaign, and even surprising because "Belousov is known for his economic decisions, rather than his knowledge of the front".
Daily Mail (UK) said that President Putin proposed "little-known Andrei Belousov, 65 years old" to replace General Sergei Shoigu as Minister of Defense. This newspaper said that this move was a "disdain" for Shoigu - who has held the position of Minister of Defense since 2012.
Politico (USA) pointed out that Mr. Belousov is an economist, with no "military experience". According to this newspaper, Mr. Belousov's appointment could be a sign that the Russian leadership is trying to "transform", after more than 2 years of launching a special military campaign.
Former British intelligence officer Philip Ingram believes that such a reshuffle would allow "President Putin to keep Mr Shoigu on his side", but at the same time appoint someone who can tackle corruption issues in the Defense Ministry, following the arrest of Deputy Defense Minister Timur Ivanov.
Ukrainian economist Alexei Kushch said that the proposal to appoint Andrei Belousov as Russian Defense Minister is "bad news for Kiev", and that everything is heading towards a sharp increase in the dynamics of the development of the Russian military-industrial complex and an increase in defense production in Russia./.
