Putin may appoint a war-oriented defense minister? A thunderous offensive to set the course of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and he may become the successor in the future!
Russian forces have increased their offensive efforts on the battlefield, starting to eliminate Ukrainian forces in Kupiansk. At the same time, in the direction of the Red Army City, Russian forces have also begun to encircle Ukrainian forces, and have already occupied 70% of the territory. Meanwhile, negotiations between the US and Russia are still ongoing, and a meeting between Trump and Putin is also being planned. Although Zelenskyy is still resisting, his attitude has clearly changed, no longer pursuing the recovery of all land, and has made some concessions on losing part of the land.
Russian forces have continuously tightened the siege around the Red Army City from multiple directions including north, northeast, southeast, and southwest. After completely controlling the Rodensk (also known as Roginsky) in the north of the Red Army City, they successfully cut off the T0515 and T0516 roads connecting the Red Army City with the rear base, which severely restricted the supply of materials and rotation of troops for the Ukrainian forces. In the city area of the Red Army City, the Russian forces have consolidated control over the northern part of the Sobachyvka district and the eastern part of the city center, and have successfully broken through the western railway line, separating two major industrial strongholds of the Ukrainian forces. At the same time, small groups of Russian forces (DRG) have also infiltrated the industrial area in the northwest, expanding the gray zone.
It can be said that for Russia, this is the most critical stage to launch a fierce military offensive to set the battlefield situation and determine the direction of the battlefield. At this key and sensitive moment, Russian media reported that Putin may promote a new defense minister on the spot. Russian media reports state that Putin is preparing for a final wave of fierce attacks before the negotiations to finally determine the overall situation, so he is preparing to appoint a tough general as the Minister of Defense.
The name most frequently mentioned by Russian media is Alexei Dyumin. Dyumin is one of Putin's most trusted people, having served as Putin's bodyguard and head of the Russian presidential security service, and also has strong economic management capabilities. Dyumin is currently an assistant to the president, responsible for supervising the defense industry complex, which is a crucial position for the Russia-Ukraine conflict. It is reported that the current defense minister Belousov has recommended Dyumin to enter the Ministry of Defense to "clean up" the "legacy issues" of the former defense minister Shoigu. If this information is true, it is possible that Dyumin will be given important responsibilities at this tense time of the war.
Dyumin once served as the governor of the Tula region, winning elections twice with a landslide majority (both 84%), and has achieved remarkable achievements in economic development. In addition, Dyumin commanded the surprise attack on Crimea, quickly forcing the Ukrainian forces to surrender, demonstrating military talent by capturing Crimea without spilling blood. If Dyumin becomes the defense minister, he may more flexibly use various military forces and optimize tactics, relying on his experience in special operations and coordinating the "Wagner" group and other irregular forces.
The rumor that Dyumin will become the defense minister reflects the close attention of the outside world to the possible personnel adjustments in Russia during this critical stage of the conflict. Dyumin, due to his background and abilities, is indeed a popular candidate. However, any statements about his "on-the-spot appointment" and direct "intense offensive" are still just speculation. Many analysts believe that Dyumin has been selected by Putin as a potential power successor.
If Putin intends to cultivate him, placing him in this key position of the defense minister is a reasonable option. The current defense minister of Russia, Belousov, comes from an economic background and has played an important role in improving the financial capabilities of the Russian Ministry of Defense, especially in the supply of weapons, ammunition, and various combat supplies. However, he lacks military experience and capabilities, which may be the basic reason why Russian media reported that Putin will appoint a new defense minister on the spot.
Original text: www.toutiao.com/article/1847319996312580/
Statement: This article represents the personal views of the author.