The Kremlin explained Shoigu's resignation and Belousov's appointment as exorbitant defense spending

Expenditures are almost like in the 80s

Dmitry Peskov explained to journalists the reshuffles in the security bloc that shocked many. According to him, the proposal to appoint a civilian — former First Deputy Prime Minister Andrei Belousov — as Minister of Defense was dictated by two circumstances. Firstly, the need to integrate the exponentially increased economy of the security bloc into the country’s economy. And secondly, the requirements for innovation and breakthrough technological solutions.

Photo: Natalia Gubernatorova

Peskov recalled that the budget of the security bloc, including the Ministry of Defense, was first 3% of GDP, then grew to 4.5%, and now stands at 6.7%. “This is together with all law enforcement agencies, but the Ministry of Defense occupies key positions, since it is responsible for placing the state defense order,” he clarified.

“This is a non-critical figure, but we are gradually approaching the situation in the mid-80s of the last century, when the share of expenses was 7.4%,” the Kremlin speaker continued his thought. According to him, in such circumstances it is important to ensure that the economy of the power bloc corresponds to the dynamics of the current moment.

Peskov also noted that the winner on the battlefield is now the one who is more open to innovation and the maximum implementation of new technologies, samples and advanced ideas. “Therefore, at this stage, Putin has decided that the Ministry of Defense will be headed by a civilian,” said the Kremlin speaker.

He added that it is not planned to award Belousov a military rank.

Military component, according to Peskov, remains unchanged. “This has always been the prerogative of the Chief of the General Staff. Here, for now, no changes are envisaged,” said the press secretary of the head of state, placing a slightly noticeable emphasis on the words “for now” and “at the present time.”

As for Shoigu, he, according to According to Peskov, by presidential decree he was appointed Secretary of the Security Council in connection with Nikolai Patrushev’s transfer to another job. At the same time, Shoigu will be Putin’s deputy in the commission on the military-industrial complex, which monitors the pace of implementation of state defense orders, the development and introduction of promising types of weapons. He will also oversee the federal service for military-technical cooperation.

As for Nikolai Patrushev, his new place of work, according to Peskov, will become known within the next few days