Putin Shuffles National Security Team Amid Ukraine Invasion

On Sunday, President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia made significant changes to his national security team, marking the first such overhaul since the invasion of Ukraine.

New Minister of Defense

As part of the reshuffle, President Putin replaced the minister of defense, Sergei K. Shoigu, with Andrei R. Belousov, an economist who previously served as the first deputy prime minister and the economic development minister.

Changes in Leadership Roles

President Putin retained Minister Shoigu in his inner circle, appointing him to lead the country’s security council. The extent of Minister Shoigu's authority over the ongoing war effort remains unclear.

Reassignment of Nikolai P. Patrushev

The Kremlin also announced the reassignment of Nikolai P. Patrushev, who has been the head of the Russian security council for 16 years. A former K.G.B. colleague of President Putin, Patrushev will be moved to a new position, with the specific role expected to be revealed in the coming days.