Vladimir Putin's military chief misses crucial meeting amid rumors that he will be replaced

Sergei Shoigu, Russia’s Defense Minister and close Vladimir Putin ally, was absent yesterday in a video-conference call of the country’s Security Council, Newsweek reports.

Mounting setbacks

The absence of the minister, who is a permanent member of the council, comes after numerous setbacks on Russia’s end on the battlefield in Ukraine and widespread criticism directed towards the military and him specifically, Newsweek reports.

With the recent successful Ukrainian counter-offensives, Shoigu has come increasingly under fire.

According to Newsweek,  today the Russian-installed leader of the Kherson region, Kiril Stremousov, issued a stark critique of the minister, advising him to better shoot himself.

'Many people say that the Minister of Defense, who allowed this state of affairs to happen, could, as an officer, shoot himself, but, you know, the word 'officer' is an incomprehensible word for many.'

Possible power move

Russian President Vladimir Putinused the meeting yesterday to declare martial law in the four annexed regions of Ukraine and six neighbouring areas of Russia, plus Crimea, The Sun reports.

The declaration of martial law by Putin is a move that will complicate matters on the ground significantly, as it will likely force Ukrainian citizens to fight against their own army. Meanwhile, Shoigu’s no-show in the video conference meeting has fueled lots of speculation about his future.

Experts believe he will be replaced soon, if not already, by potential candidates like Sergei Surovikin the ‘Butcher General’ who has been placed recently in charge of directing the Russian front in Ukraine, The Sun reports.

Sources used:

-Newsweek: ‘Putin Ally Shoigu Missing at Meeting as Speculation Grows Over His Future’

-Newsweek: ‘Russian-Appointed Official Tells Putin's Military Chief to 'Shoot Himself'

-The Sun: ‘POWER MOVE Mystery as Putin’s defence chief ‘goes missing and General Armageddon set to take over role’ after martial law declared’

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