The European Union believes that political reshuffles in the Russian government will not change the nature of Putin’s regime. Furthermore, the personnel changes will not stop the war in Ukraine.
This was stated by the Executive Vice-President of the European Commission, Valdis Dombrovskis. Dombrovskis added that EU countries must continue to support Ukraine, as Putin has not abandoned his aggressive imperialist policy.
How the EU reacts to personnel changes in Russia
Dombrovskis emphasizes that EU countries must continue to stay “on the same course” by providing support to Ukraine. He believes that these personnel changes will also not alter the Putin regime, as the Russian president will not give up his aggressive imperialist policy.
We do not expect this to change the nature of Putin’s regime and its aggressive imperialist policy. (…) We must continue this course, providing all necessary support to Ukraine—financial, economic, military, political support. And we need to continue putting pressure on the aggressor country, said the Vice-President of the European Commission.
What personnel changes have occurred in Russia
- On May 12, it became known that Russian President Vladimir Putin plans personnel changes. He dismissed Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu and proposed appointing economist Andrey Belousov in his place.
- However, Shoigu was immediately offered a new position. Since Putin dismissed Nikolai Patrushev from the position of Secretary of the Security Council, this position was offered to Shoigu.
- At the same time, Patrushev did not leave politics either—he became an assistant to the President of Russia. By the way, earlier the media reported that Patrushev could become the next Russian president.
- On May 14, Shoigu’s successor spoke at a meeting of the Federation Council and made several statements. Belousov outlined his work priorities and grandiosely declared that he is “ready even to die to fulfill the assigned tasks.”
However, some politicians have retained their positions. Dmitry Peskov remains the press secretary and deputy head of Putin’s administration. Additionally, Putin did not dismiss the head of the Presidential Administration, Anton Vaino, nor the first deputy heads Alexei Gromov and Sergey Kiriyenko.
