Since the Russian military became a policy tool in the Kremlin’s conflict in Ukraine, Defense Minister Army-General Sergei Shoigu received surprisingly little attention from observers of Russia’s defense policies. Shoigu offered broad support for the operation to “restore” Crimea to Russia, while emphatically denying the presence of Russian military personnel in southeastern Ukraine. Recent articles in the Russian media celebrating the defense minister’s 60th birthday offer high praise for his abilities and illustrate that Shoigu has played an underestimated role in overseeing and facilitating these events (Rossiyskaya Gazeta, May 21).
His biographical information stresses his credentials as a crisis manager, given …read more
Source: The Jamestown Foundation