Appointing a new defense minister to President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia is akin to laying a fresh cornerstone in the ongoing struggle of a protracted war.
This notion came to light in Moscow on Monday, as Andrei R. Belousov, an economist whose surprise selection placed him at the helm of Russia’s extensive defense apparatus, made his inaugural public appearance in his new capacity. Rather than focusing on battlefield tactics, Belousov spoke of bureaucratic intricacies.
This shift underscores an acknowledgment that the military machinery driving Russia’s war efforts and sustaining its economy must be meticulously managed to endure the attrition warfare with Ukraine.
Simultaneously, Russia adopts a patient approach on the battlefield. In the northeastern regions of Ukraine, where Russian forces are initiating a fresh offensive, they advance cautiously, eschewing grand breakthroughs into major cities, a departure from the outset of the conflict which yielded disastrous outcomes.
During televised remarks at Russia’s upper house of Parliament on Monday, where his nomination is anticipated to receive ratification, Belousov underscored the bureaucratic aspects of the rapidly expanding military endeavor, steering clear of references to the frontline situation. His outlined priorities included enhancing the standards of care and living conditions for soldiers, veterans, and their families.
Belousov highlighted the need to streamline bureaucratic processes, particularly in accessing benefits, suggesting improvements through interagency electronic coordination. He condemned the practice of redirecting soldiers to overcrowded hospitals during leave, asserting the necessity for resolution.
This brief session offered a glimpse into how the ascent of a soft-spoken expert in economic policy to oversee a vast military apparatus, embroiled in its most significant conflict since World War II, has emerged as a new facet in Putin’s strategy of confronting Ukraine and the West through attritional warfare.
Belousov’s appointment signals Putin’s emphasis on aligning the country’s economy with its military imperatives, envisioning that the Ukrainian conflict, or a militarized standoff with the West, could shape Russia’s trajectory for years to come.
Throughout his tenure as Putin’s economic advisor, spanning over six years, Belousov advocated for a robust state role in the economy and increased public spending. The exigencies of war prompted Putin to enact some of Belousov’s longstanding proposals, such as levying higher taxes on major corporations and tapping into the country’s oil reserves.
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In Moscow, Valentina Matviyenko, chairwoman of the upper house of Parliament, lauded Belousov as the optimal choice to procure modern weaponry, technology, and innovations for the military.
Sergei Mironov, an ultranationalist lawmaker, endorsed Belousov’s appointment, underscoring the economic dimension of contemporary warfare.
Upon finalization of his nomination, Belousov will succeed Sergei K. Shoigu, a longstanding minister known for his unwavering loyalty to Putin. Despite his proximity to the Russian leader, Shoigu's tenure became precarious following the debacle of the initial invasion in February 2022, wherein Russian forces encountered unexpectedly fierce resistance from Ukrainian troops.
Rather than dismissing Shoigu during the throes of the conflict, Putin opted for a replacement as Russia finds itself in a relatively robust position vis-à-vis the war.
Putin recognizes the past errors and the gravity of the situation, yet refrains from precipitous personnel changes during crises. With the Ukrainian offensive thwarted and a restructured army in place, the crisis is deemed resolved.
The appointment of a methodical bureaucrat to oversee Russia’s war effort aligns with the adoption of a deliberate strategy on the battlefield. Failed attempts to swiftly overwhelm the adversary in the initial phases of the invasion have given way to a systematic erosion of Ukrainian defenses along the frontline.
This approach leverages Russia’s numerical and firepower advantage to steadily advance against fatigued and overstretched defenders.
Last week, Putin reinforced the attritional strategy by initiating a new offensive in the northern Ukrainian border region of Kharkiv. This marks a renewed effort to seize territory that had eluded Russian forces in the early stages of the conflict.
Unlike previous attempts characterized by large-scale armored thrusts, the current offensive relies on infantry units supported by artillery, gradually advancing village by village.
While the prospect of capturing Kharkiv remains remote, the offensive serves to divert Ukrainian resources and exacerbate their logistical challenges, at a time when the country struggles to mobilize sufficient troops and secure arms from Western allies.
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