Media reports backed by Western intelligence said the Russian president ordered his military commanders to report directly to him rather than to Sergei Shoigu, whom he blames for the botched invasion of Ukraine. Mr Putin and Mr Shoigu were considered close allies, but iStories, a Russian investigative reporting, said that bond had now broken. “Relations between Putin and Shoigu have changed so much that the defense minister does not even dare to push forward decisions that the military considers necessary,” it said, citing defense ministry sources. As proof, iStories highlighted Mr. Shoigu’s last major appearance on Russian television. This happened on July 4 in Putin’s office, when he reported the conquest of Luhansk – which is half of Donbas. During the meeting, which was supposed to mark a rare Russian military success, iStories said Putin told Mr Shoigu that the generals commanding Russian forces had already informed him of the news. “The president has made it clear that he is communicating directly with Shoigu’s subordinates, and it is unclear what role the defense minister is playing,” iStories reported. “Decisions on some key appointments in the defense ministry are made without taking Shoigu’s opinion into account.”
“Effective and unknown leadership”
This analysis appears to be confirmed by examining Mr. Shoigu’s other television appearances, publicity opportunities used by Moscow to convey the prominence, gravitas and authority of certain figures. Since his meeting with Putin on July 4, Mr. Shoigu has appeared on television only a few times and always in supporting roles. His last public appearance was a month ago, on July 31, when he was filmed saluting and standing in front of a ceremony in St Petersburg celebrating the Russian navy. His apparent fall from grace was also highlighted on Monday by Britain’s Ministry of Defence. “Shoigu probably struggled for a long time to overcome his reputation of having no substantial military experience,” the Foreign Ministry said. Although he often wears a military uniform decorated with various medals or ribbons and is referred to as a general, Mr. Shoigu has never served in the Russian military. Putin is likely aware that Mr. Shoigu’s lack of military experience does not play well with Russian soldiers, who are suffering huge losses fighting a failed war that the defense minister was planning. The State Department analysis added: “Russian officers and soldiers with first-hand experience of the war probably routinely deride Shoigu for his ineffective and unknown leadership as Russian progress has stalled.”
