March 29, 2024

Columbus Post

Complete News World

The case of Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu

The case of Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu

From Putin Whisperer to Russia’s Scapegoat

Russia’s military is weakened by the war in Ukraine. Tempers are heating up in Russia. One in particular has come under fire: Russia’s Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu — once Putin’s closest confidante.

1/8

Sergei Shoigu (right) and Vladimir Putin (left) are close friends. Here in 2017 while fishing in Siberia.

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, 67, and Kremlin boss Vladimir Putin, 70, were once close friends. They often traveled together. That’s how they went to Siberia five years ago and were photographed smiling shirtless while fishing.

But that is a thing of the past. After the war in Ukraine, there is an ice age between the former friends. Relations have deteriorated to the extent that Shoigu, Russia’s defense minister, no longer briefs Putin.