Kremlin's power shift: Corruption crackdown topples defense heads

Arrests on corruption charges in the Russian Ministry of Defense, the demotion of Sergey Shoigu, and arrests of high-ranking military officers have been the focus of the Kremlin in recent weeks. As CNN notes, the spirit of Yevgeny Prigozhin, the former head of the Wagner mercenary group—known in the past as "Putin's chef"—looms over the turmoil.

In recent weeks, several important officials from the Russian Ministry of Defense have been arrested on corruption charges. Vladimir Putin removed Sergey Shoigu from his position as head of the Ministry of Defense after 12 years. The arrests also extend to high-ranking military officers. Yevgeny Prigozhin, "Putin's chef," who led a rebellion against Putin last year, called for an anti-corruption fight within these circles, writes CNN's article.

According to analysts, the Russian defense ministry is one of the most corrupt. Russian state media have repeatedly revealed questionable military contracts made by the ministry, involving staggering sums.

Even before Shoigu's dismissal, one of his deputies, Timur Ivanov, was arrested. Another high-ranking ministry official, Yuri Kuznetsov, was also detained on corruption charges. At the end of May, the deputy chief of the Russian army's general staff, Gen. Vadim Shamarin, was arrested, and Ivan Popov, considered by independent commentators to be one of the most competent Russian generals, is suspected of committing large-scale fraud.

CNN notes that the spirit of Yevgeny Prigozhin, the former head of the Wagner mercenary group, known in the past as "Putin's chef," looms over this turmoil.

Let us recall, Yevgeny Prigozhin, the head of Wagner Group, demanded the removal of Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu and Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov, whom he claimed tried to "eliminate the Wagner Group." Last year, Prigozhin called for a coup and marched on Moscow.

Earlier, he repeatedly accused them of corruption and incompetence. In response, Putin labeled Prigozhin a traitor and stripped him of his assets. Later, Prigozhin died in a plane crash along with his top advisors.

Vladimir Putin was aware of the irregularities related to arms procurement contracts made by the Ministry of Defense but concealed them from the public. According to CNN, he wanted to show that he would not take the actions expected of him by Prigozhin, as it might undermine his authority and strength in the eyes of the citizens.

Why did this change? According to commentators, the Russian leader likely waited to act against the ministry's leadership until after the March presidential elections he organized to consolidate his power. This happened, so the changes began shortly after the Victory Day celebrations on May 9.

Amid the radical changes made by Putin, rumors have surfaced that Valery Gerasimov, the chief of the general staff, is also at risk, something Prigozhin also demanded.

- There are now many rumors that he, Gerasimov, may soon be dismissed - Tatiana Stanovaya, a specialist at the Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center, told CNN. In her opinion, the fact that he has been spared so far "gives Gerasimov a window to start fighting for his own interests."

Analysts also point out that Gerasimov should keep his position for now, as Putin announced that he does not intend to make further personnel changes.

Besides, there is no similar position to Shoigu's that he could be moved to without completely tarnishing his reputation.

Many of the reports provided by Russian state media or Kremlin officials are likely not true. Such reports may be part of an information war by the Russian Federation.