Summary
- Russia’s decision to replace long-serving Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu has sparked speculation in Western media.
- Shoigu’s replacement, Andrey Belousov, is seen as potentially bringing a new approach to managing the war effort.
- Belousov, an economist and technocrat, may focus on putting Russia’s war effort on a sound financial footing.
- The move could be aimed at planning for and controlling the long-term costs of Russia’s ongoing conflict with Ukraine.
