What would his successor, Andrei Belousov, bring to the table, and what would happen to the former head of the security council, Nikolai Patrushev - seen by many as a potential successor to Vladimir Putin?
The second question has a straightforward answer. Patrushev, it seems, is being sidelined. The Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said he had been appointed to the grand position of presidential aide for shipbuilding - barring any further surprise moves, this is a considerable downgrade in role.
What Shoigu's removal will mean is a bit trickier, but it may also be a case of Putin neutralising an ally who has become too powerful.
This story is from the May 24, 2024 edition of The Guardian Weekly.
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This story is from the May 24, 2024 edition of The Guardian Weekly.
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