Updated 3/26/2022 at 14:16
- The long absence sparked speculation, now photos of the Russian defense minister can be viewed again.
- Sergei Shoigu appeared in the video for the first time in weeks.
For the first time since the two-week absence of the Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoygu, his photos have appeared in public circulation. The Russian Defense Ministry released a video on Saturday in which Shoigu chairs a meeting on Russia’s defense budget. The photo is undated, but according to Russian news agencies, the defense minister refers to the meeting with the finance minister, which took place on Friday.
Schoig’s long disappearance from public opinion has sparked speculation recently. In a video from the Department of Defense, he says defense equipment orders and deliveries went as planned “despite the difficulties we face today.” Shoigu apparently meant the extensive sanctions imposed by the West over Russia’s military operations in Ukraine.
Kremlin spokesman: “The defense minister now has a lot to do”
On Thursday, the Kremlin informed about Shoigu’s conversation with President Vladimir Putin on a report on a “special military operation procedure” in Ukraine. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said: “The defense minister is very busy at the moment.” In the midst of the conflict in Ukraine, “this is not the time to speak in the media.”
The 66-year-old defense minister is usually a regular on state television programs. However, according to media reports, he has not held any public nominations since March 11. © AFP
Updated 3/26/2022 14:03
After a month of war with Ukraine, despite reports of heavy losses, the Russian General Staff drew positive conclusions.