Putin Appoints New Defense Minister Amidst Ongoing Offensive

Russian President Vladimir Putin has appointed Andrey Belousov as the new Minister of Defense. Belousov, an economist by profession, previously served as First Deputy Prime Minister and has been a long-time advisor to Putin on economic matters.

The appointment comes amidst Russia's ongoing offensive in Ukraine. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov explained the decision by stating that the "battlefield is now dominated by those who are more open to innovations and are ready to introduce them in the fastest way possible."

Belousov officially assumed his new role on Tuesday evening, following Putin's signing of the decree and the State Duma's approval. Former Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu, who held the position for nearly twelve years, was appointed Secretary of the Russian Security Council on Sunday.

Both Belousov and Shoigu are expected to accompany Putin to Beijing later this week for meetings with Chinese counterparts.

The leadership change at the Ministry of Defense coincides with Russian forces advancing along the frontline. A major operation launched last Friday north of Kharkiv has resulted in the capture of several settlements and significant Ukrainian losses. In response, Kiev has shifted several units from Kherson and Donetsk to the northern front.