Russian Defense Minister Shoigu Weakened by Arrest of Key Ally
- Case against Timur Ivanov may undermine Shoigu, officials say
- Detention comes as Putin prepares possible government shuffle
Sergei Shoigu
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The arrest on bribery charges of one of Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu’s closest allies has weakened his position ahead of a potential government shuffle by President Vladimir Putin, according to people with knowledge of the situation.
The detention of Deputy Defense Minister Timur Ivanov may be an attempt to undermine Shoigu, two people close to the Kremlin said, asking not to be identified discussing internal matters. It represents a final warning to Shoigu to improve the ministry’s wartime performance though he’s unlikely to be ousted at this time, one of the people said.