The newly appointed Russian defense minister holds a unique strategy
Andrey Beloussov, the new Russian Defense Minister, aims to wage war in Ukraine with minimal casualties among his forces. This is unexpected, as Russia has disregarded soldier lives previously. Beloussov also plans to improve the military's equipment.
During a Moscow parliamentary hearing, the designated Russian Defense Minister Andrei Beloussov stated that minimizing casualties during Ukraine's war of aggression is his primary objective. He further clarified that no new mobilization for recruiting more soldiers would take place.
Experts found Beloussov's stance on reducing battlefield losses unusual. Typically, Russian officials only mention war casualties when glorifying deceased soldiers. It's also unclear how Ukraine's losses will be minimized, given their ruthless treatment of human life by the Russian side.
Military analysts note a stark contrast in casualty acceptance between the two sides throughout the war. Ukrainian troops have reported encountering less-trained Russian soldiers, tasked with exposing their positions for following troops.
Ukraine currently estimates around 500,000 Russian soldiers lost, with some Western observers questioning its accuracy. However, NATO estimated 350,000 eliminated in March, and the US reported 315,000 in late 2023. Security expert Frank Umbach estimated "exorbitantly high" losses on the Russian side by year-end, aligning with NATO's projection.
On Sunday, the Russian Presidential Office nominated Beloussov to replace long-term Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, who will become Secretary of the National Security Council. Beloussov served as Economy Minister and later First Deputy Prime Minister. The surge in military spending has prompted Putin to seek an economist to head the defense department, according to Peskov.
At the hearing, Beloussov focused on upgrading Russian soldiers' equipment, including drones and communication systems. Sufficient ammunition and financial management improvements within the Ministry of Defense are also priorities. With over 60% of the Russian state budget dedicated to the military, Putin has established a war economy.
Introducing himself as a politician of integrity, Beloussov expressed his policy of "You can make mistakes, but you must not lie." This could be seen as a jab at Shoigu, who faced a Defense Ministry corruption scandal under his watch.
Beloussov also highlighted the need for a modern, well-equipped military during the hearing. This includes drones, communication systems, and adequate ammunition. Tighter financial management is necessary to enhance efficiency in the Ministry of Defense, as Russia has invested heavily in its military.
At the parliamentary hearing, Beloussov stressed the importance of ensuring adequate equipment and supplies for the Russian military, while striving for more efficient spending. Putin's pursuit of a war economy, with over two-thirds of the state budget allocated to the military, only reinforces this approach. His nomination of Beloussov suggests a focus on defense modernization.
Beloussov, a deeply experienced economic expert, may bring a fresh perspective to the defense department. Regardless of approach, casualties in Ukraine will likely remain a key concern as both nations fight for supremacy.
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- The Kremlin's new defense strategy, led by Andrey Beloussov, focuses on reducing casualties during the Attack on Ukraine, a shift from previous Russian military tactics.
- During a hearing in Moscow, Beloussov, the appointed successor to Sergei Shoigu as Defense Minister, outlined his plans for upgrading the Russian military's equipment and prioritizing efficient spending, aiming to minimize losses in conflicts like the Attack on Ukraine.
- Experts watch with interest as Russia, involved in various Wars and Conflicts such as the Attack on Ukraine, adopts a new military philosophy under Beloussov's leadership, emphasizing less casualties and financial management improvements in the military.
Source: www.ntv.de
