Putin replaces Sergei Shoigu as Defence Minister in surprise move, appoints civilian economist
World | May 13, 2024, 10:27 AM ISTShoigu, 68, has been in charge of defence since 2012 and a long-time ally of Putin, who came under fire after his deputy was arrested last month on bribery charges. Putin has appointed him to lead Russia's powerful Security Council, replacing Nikolai Patrushev.