Russia’s Putin Names New Defense Chief to Replace Long-Serving Ally Shoigu

Outgoing defense minister is now widely expected to take helm of Russia’s powerful Security Council.

Andrei Belousov attends a session of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum in Russia, on June 7, 2019. Maxim Shemetov/Reuters

Russian President Vladimir Putin has named a new defense minister to replace Gen. Sergey Shoigu, 68, a longstanding ally who has held the post since 2012.

Gen. Shoigu is set to be replaced as defense minister by Andrei Belousov, a former minister of economic development and deputy prime minister.