Putin assembles a group of experts to aid him.

Putin convenes group of experts.

Putin begins his latest presidential term and is distributing positions. Economy-related ministers will receive more power. The fate of long-term allies Lavrov and Shoigu, though, is still uncertain.

With the beginning of his new presidential term and the appointment of Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, Vladimir Putin is enhancing the roles of two ministers involved in the economy. Minister Denis Manturov, who had previously overseen the Russian war economy, and Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak, who has control over the crucial oil and gas sector, are both set for expanded duties, the government announced.

With Mishustin and his previous cabinet resigning according to the constitution upon Putin's fifth term as president on Tuesday, the 71-year-old being confirmed in March amid international criticism for the elections, and Mishustin's reappointment on Friday, these latest steps towards a new government are being taken. While continuity is expected, uncertainty looms over the futures of Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu. Both are seasoned ministers and close confidants of the Russian leader, aged 74 and 68 respectively.

Technological dominance

Anton Alikhanov, the former governor of Kaliningrad, will take over as Minister, while Manturov, 54, will move up to become Mishustin's first deputy. With this change, Manturov returns to his previous role of managing industry. This emphasis on technological leadership is evident in these moves. Additionally, Novak, who handles the energy industry, will receive additional economic tasks, the government revealed. Despite Western sanctions following the Ukraine conflict, the oil and gas industry remains a major income source for Russia.

Finance Minister Anton Siluanov and Economics Minister Maxim Reshetnikov will maintain their positions. The younger Patrushev, son of the powerful Security Council Secretary Nikolai Patrushev, is also in line for a promotion. Like Manturov, Dmitry Patrushev is leaving his ministerial post to assume the role of deputy prime minister, and will remain in charge of agricultural matters.