The disappearance of Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu, who has been carrying out his duties effectively since the beginning of the Ukraine invasion, caused rumors. It was revealed that Shoigu made defense plans with the Russian army, while allegations were put forward that he had a heart attack and his life was in danger due to the anger of Russian President Vladimir Putin due to the failure of Russia’s invasion plans.
Sergey Shoigu held a meeting with the military echelon of the Russian army. At the meeting, where Russian Chief of Staff Valery Gerasimov was also present, Shoigu talked about the arms supply and the budget issue. Reading the decisions taken, Shoygu said, “With the difficulties experienced today, we are carrying out the state defense order in a planned way. Considering that this year’s budget financing has increased by 15 percent compared to the previous year, we naturally need to look at what we should pay particular attention to when fulfilling state defense orders. Shoigu said that despite the sanctions targeting Russia, 85 percent of the state contracts have been fulfilled, and the orders will be completed next month.
“PRIORITY ORDERS HIGH PRECISION LONG-RANGE WEAPONS, AVIATION EQUIPMENT AND STRATEGIC NUCLEAR FORCES”
Shoigu: “Amendments to the law on veterans, in which those who participated in a special military operation in Ukraine are considered war veterans, have been approved. Relatives of soldiers in this category will also be supported. The Ministry of Defense fulfills its social responsibilities towards all personnel. This also applies to the payments of military and civilian personnel, and of course for our retirees,” he said.
“OUR PRIORITY IS TO SUPPORT THE WAR-READY STATUS OF STRATEGIC NUCLEAR FORCES”
“Given the conduct of a special military operation, the deadline set for the supply of advanced weapons to the troops this year, including robotic systems, information support and electronic warfare, must be adhered to. We continue to deliver weapons and equipment ahead of time on credits. Our priority is long-range high-precision,” Shoigu said. “support the combat readiness of weapons, aircraft equipment and strategic nuclear forces,” he said.
Shoigu also said that he discussed issues related to the military budget and defense instructions with the Ministry of Finance.
IT WAS NOT SEEN SINCE MARCH 11, LEADING TO SPECULATIONS
Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu, who has been appearing in the Russian media many times since the beginning of Russia’s attacks on Ukraine, and who had meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin, suddenly disappeared.
Shoigu, whose whereabouts were not disclosed for 12 days, attended the Security Council Meeting chaired by Putin on March 24. However, during the speech of Shoigu, who was seen on the screens in a very short time, his voice was not broadcast.
While various allegations were made in Russia that Shoigu was dismissed, some groups claimed that his health was not good.
Finally, Advisor to the Minister of Internal Affairs of Ukraine Anton Gerashchenko said in a statement, “Shoigu had a heart attack. Therefore, he has not appeared in public since mid-March. Shoigu suffered a heart attack after Putin’s harsh reaction due to his failure in military operations in Ukraine. Currently, the main army He is being treated at his headquarters. He is currently in the clinic of Nikolay N. Burdenko.”