Russian President Vladimir Putin replaced his defense minister Sergei Shoigu, nominating an economist to take his place in the most substantial shake-up to the military’s command structure since Moscow launched its war on Ukraine in February 2022. Watch in for more details!

Russia's Putin replaces Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu, fields in economist

A Russian court on Wednesday ordered one of Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu's deputies to be kept in custody on suspicion of taking bribes, the highest-profile corruption case since President Vladimir Putin sent troops into Ukraine in 2022.

Deputy Defence Minister Timur Ivanov was detained on Tuesday at work by the Federal Security Service (FSB), the main successor to the Soviet-era KGB, for accepting large bribes.

Moscow's Basmanny District Court ordered Ivanov to be kept in custody until June 23. Ivanov, 48, was shown in uniform standing in a glass cage in court, frowning slightly, footage released by the court service showed.

"The investigation believes that Ivanov entered into a criminal conspiracy with third parties, teamed up with them in advance to commit an organised crime by an organised group," the court service said.

It said the conspiracy was to receive "property and services on a particularly large scale during contract and sub-contract work for the ministry of defence."

Ivanov, who said he was innocent, faces 15 years in jail if convicted. State media gave the case full coverage.

The sudden arrest of an ally of Shoigu, whom Putin tasked with fighting the war in Ukraine, triggered speculation about a battle within the elite and of a public crackdown on the corruption that has plagued Russia's post-Soviet armed forces.

Some Russian bloggers, who have accused senior generals of incompetence, rejoiced at the apparent fall of a top military official long linked to the ostentatious opulence which Putin has made clear he does not want to see displayed in wartime.

A Russian source, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Ivanov was a close ally of Shoigu and that his arrest was a sharp blow to the defence minister. Shoigu, a Putin ally and one of Russia's most powerful men, is widely expected to keep his position in a coming government reshuffle.

Ivanov, who has served as deputy minister since 2016, was in charge of property management, housing, construction and mortgages at the defence ministry, whose spending has spiralled since the war began.

The TASS state news agency said the investigation into Ivanov has been underway for some time and that the FSB's military counter-intelligence department was involved.

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The Kremlin dismissed a Russian report that Ivanov may be suspected of treason as pure speculation.

Ivanov had long been the subject of journalistic investigations. Russia's Anti-Corruption Foundation, headed by the late Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, had alleged that Ivanov and his family lived a life of luxury including yachts, helicopters, visits to the French Riviera, purchases of diamonds, and a 19th Century mansion in Moscow.

Forbes magazine listed Ivanov as one of the wealthiest men in Russia's security structures. Other investigations alleged corruption in Russia's reconstruction of the Ukrainian city of Mariupol now controlled by Russian forces.

Ivanov was unable to comment as he was in detention. Putin last month ordered the FSB to root out corruption in state defence procurement.

Ivanov, who graduated with from Moscow State University with a mathematics degree, rose through the ranks of Russia's state atomic energy sector before becoming deputy head of the Moscow region government under Shoigu, who was then governor.

Some Russian military bloggers have long accused top generals of corruption, especially after the army's hurried withdrawal from parts of Ukraine after over-extending itself during the first days of the invasion.

"It is clear that this is a tectonic shift," said Yuri Podolyaka, a popular pro-Russian military blogger. "And this is not about Ivanov... I hope this is only the beginning."

A Russian court on Wednesday ordered one of Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu's deputies to be kept in custody on suspicion of taking bribes, the highest-profile corruption case since President Vladimir Putin sent troops into Ukraine in 2022.

A Russian court on Wednesday ordered one of Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu's deputies to be kept in custody on suspicion of taking bribes, the highest-profile corruption case since President Vladimir Putin sent troops into Ukraine in 2022. Deputy Defence Minister Timur Ivanov was detained on Tuesday at work by the Federal Security Service (FSB), the main successor to the Soviet-era KGB, for accepting large bribes. Moscow's Basmanny District Court ordered Ivanov to be kept in custody until June 23. Ivanov, 48, was shown in uniform standing in a glass cage in court, frowning slightly, footage released by the court service showed. "The investigation believes that Ivanov entered into a criminal conspiracy with third parties, teamed up with them in advance to commit an organised crime by an organised group," the court service said. It said the conspiracy was to receive "property and services on a particularly large scale during contract and sub-contract work for the ministry of defence." Ivanov, who said he was innocent, faces 15 years in jail if convicted. State media gave the case full coverage. The sudden arrest of an ally of Shoigu, whom Putin tasked with fighting the war in Ukraine, triggered speculation about a battle within the elite and of a public crackdown on the corruption that has plagued Russia's post-Soviet armed forces. Some Russian bloggers, who have accused senior generals of incompetence, rejoiced at the apparent fall of a top military official long linked to the ostentatious opulence which Putin has made clear he does not want to see displayed in wartime. A Russian source, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Ivanov was a close ally of Shoigu and that his arrest was a sharp blow to the defence minister. Shoigu, a Putin ally and one of Russia's most powerful men, is widely expected to keep his position in a coming government reshuffle. Ivanov, who has served as deputy minister since 2016, was in charge of property management, housing, construction and mortgages at the defence ministry, whose spending has spiralled since the war began. The TASS state news agency said the investigation into Ivanov has been underway for some time and that the FSB's military counter-intelligence department was involved. Also read: Russia warns of ban on Pakistani rice imports over violation in phytosanitary requirements The Kremlin dismissed a Russian report that Ivanov may be suspected of treason as pure speculation. Ivanov had long been the subject of journalistic investigations. Russia's Anti-Corruption Foundation, headed by the late Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, had alleged that Ivanov and his family lived a life of luxury including yachts, helicopters, visits to the French Riviera, purchases of diamonds, and a 19th Century mansion in Moscow. Forbes magazine listed Ivanov as one of the wealthiest men in Russia's security structures. Other investigations alleged corruption in Russia's reconstruction of the Ukrainian city of Mariupol now controlled by Russian forces. Ivanov was unable to comment as he was in detention. Putin last month ordered the FSB to root out corruption in state defence procurement. Ivanov, who graduated with from Moscow State University with a mathematics degree, rose through the ranks of Russia's state atomic energy sector before becoming deputy head of the Moscow region government under Shoigu, who was then governor. Some Russian military bloggers have long accused top generals of corruption, especially after the army's hurried withdrawal from parts of Ukraine after over-extending itself during the first days of the invasion. "It is clear that this is a tectonic shift," said Yuri Podolyaka, a popular pro-Russian military blogger. "And this is not about Ivanov... I hope this is only the beginning."

Russia Deputy Defence Minister Timur Ivanov arrested for alleged bribery, faces 15 years in jail if convicted

Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu said in footage published by his ministry on Saturday that the country's production of military drones had ramped up in the past year, though certain technical issues still needed tackling.

Russia has made extensive use of drones in the course of the almost two year-long military campaign in Ukraine, but has often had to rely on cheap Iranian-made Shahed drones.

"The production capacities that have been created allow us to complete most of the tasks that we are faced with today," Shoigu said during a tour of drone production facilities in the Volga river region of Udmurtia.

He was shown telling a meeting of officials that issues related to the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in drones and electronic warfare still needed to be resolved.

Moscow has in recent months been signalling that its military industrial complex has stepped up production, as Russia seeks to break months of military deadlock in Ukraine.

Ukrainian commanders have said drones will be vital to gaining the upper hand in the conflict, while military analysts say heavy use of the weapons by both sides is making it difficult for troops to make land advances.

Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu said in footage published by his ministry on Saturday that the country's production of military drones had ramped up in the past year, though certain technical issues still needed tackling.

Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu said in footage published by his ministry on Saturday that the country's production of military drones had ramped up in the past year, though certain technical issues still needed tackling. Russia has made extensive use of drones in the course of the almost two year-long military campaign in Ukraine, but has often had to rely on cheap Iranian-made Shahed drones. "The production capacities that have been created allow us to complete most of the tasks that we are faced with today," Shoigu said during a tour of drone production facilities in the Volga river region of Udmurtia. He was shown telling a meeting of officials that issues related to the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in drones and electronic warfare still needed to be resolved. Moscow has in recent months been signalling that its military industrial complex has stepped up production, as Russia seeks to break months of military deadlock in Ukraine. Ukrainian commanders have said drones will be vital to gaining the upper hand in the conflict, while military analysts say heavy use of the weapons by both sides is making it difficult for troops to make land advances.

Russia is ramping up its military drone production, says Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu

Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu met the North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, while on a rare visit to the country and this is to mark the anniversary of what North Korea claims as a victory in the North Korean War.

Russian defence minister's Pyongyang visit | Putin to meet African leaders | WION Speed News

Taking a more aggressive stance in the ongoing Ukraine invasion, Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu has ordered his forces to intensify attacks “in all operational sectors” of the war.

On Saturday, Shoigu&nbsp;ordered the military units to intensify their operations to thwart Ukrainian shillings in civilian areas of eastern Ukraine and in Russian-occupied territories.

The statement came days after the Russian missile stuck across Ukraine in recent days, killing scores of civilians. The remarks also highlight that Kremlin may be entering a more aggressive phase in the ongoing war, reports The New York Times.

The remarks of Shoigu, a close ally of President Vladimir Putin, appeared to be a direct response to Ukraine’s string of successful strikes carried out on 30 Russian logistics and ammunition hubs using several multiple launch rocket systems recently supplied by the West.

On Friday, Ukraine’s defence ministry spokesperson said that the assaults of the Ukrainian forces were choking Russian supply lines and had significantly reduced Russia’s offensive capability.

This latest development comes as the Russian forces shift their offensive to Ukraine’s eastern Donbas region, with their missiles and rockets striking cities elsewhere in the country.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/casualties-mount-as-russian-military-launches-fresh-onslaught-in-parts-of-ukraine-498045" hreflang="en">Casualties mount as Russian military launches fresh onslaught in parts of Ukraine</a>

Putin earlier this month indicated that Russia might escalate the war, saying, “Everyone should know that, by and large, we have not started anything seriously yet.”

The experts at the Institute for the Study of War claim that this new offensive posturing stems from the fact that Russian troops were “likely emerging from their operational pause,” reports The New York Times.

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Citing a series of limited ground assaults northwest of Sloviansk, southeast of Siversk, along the Bakhmut-Lysychansk highway and southwest of the city of Donetsk, their analysis said, “These assaults may indicate that Russian forces are attempting to resume their offensive operations in Donbas,” while noting that “the assaults are still small-scale and were largely unsuccessful.”

(With inputs from agencies)

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Taking a more aggressive stance in the ongoing Ukraine invasion, Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu has ordered his forces to intensify attacks “in all operational sectors” of the war.

Taking a more aggressive stance in the ongoing Ukraine invasion, Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu has ordered his forces to intensify attacks “in all operational sectors” of the war. On Saturday, Shoigu ordered the military units to intensify their operations to thwart Ukrainian shillings in civilian areas of eastern Ukraine and in Russian-occupied territories. The statement came days after the Russian missile stuck across Ukraine in recent days, killing scores of civilians. The remarks also highlight that Kremlin may be entering a more aggressive phase in the ongoing war, reports The New York Times. The remarks of Shoigu, a close ally of President Vladimir Putin, appeared to be a direct response to Ukraine’s string of successful strikes carried out on 30 Russian logistics and ammunition hubs using several multiple launch rocket systems recently supplied by the West. On Friday, Ukraine’s defence ministry spokesperson said that the assaults of the Ukrainian forces were choking Russian supply lines and had significantly reduced Russia’s offensive capability. This latest development comes as the Russian forces shift their offensive to Ukraine’s eastern Donbas region, with their missiles and rockets striking cities elsewhere in the country. Also read | Casualties mount as Russian military launches fresh onslaught in parts of Ukraine Putin earlier this month indicated that Russia might escalate the war, saying, “Everyone should know that, by and large, we have not started anything seriously yet.” The experts at the Institute for the Study of War claim that this new offensive posturing stems from the fact that Russian troops were “likely emerging from their operational pause,” reports The New York Times. Also read | Ukraine crisis: Russia wants to purchase attack-capable drones from Iran Citing a series of limited ground assaults northwest of Sloviansk, southeast of Siversk, along the Bakhmut-Lysychansk highway and southwest of the city of Donetsk, their analysis said, “These assaults may indicate that Russian forces are attempting to resume their offensive operations in Donbas,” while noting that “the assaults are still small-scale and were largely unsuccessful.” (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Russia will take more aggressive stance against Ukraine, says defence minister Sergei Shoigu

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.&nbsp;

Russian forces in Ukraine have been forced to change strategy and witness several hardships since the war began on February 24. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu seems to have been missing the whole action. The 66-year-old leader seems to have suffered a "massive" heart attack. He is currently fighting for his life. &nbsp;

Shoigu is believed to be in intensive care. The minister’s condition seems to be not due to natural causes, as per a Russian President Vladimir Putin's adversary. &nbsp;

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On Facebook, 62-year-old Russian businessman Leonid Nevzlin, has said, “Shoigu is out of the game, he may become disabled if he survives. He suddenly had a massive heart attack. He is in intensive care, connected to devices. Rumour has it that the heart attack could not have occurred from natural causes.” &nbsp;

Nevzlin, who is a Russian-born Israeli businessman and philanthropist, made these claims citing unspecified sources in Moscow. &nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Russia pledges more attacks on Kyiv, accuses Ukraine of bombing border town

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In a separate case of £7.6billion "corruption", around 20 defence ministry generals have been detained, Nevzlin further alleged. &nbsp;&nbsp;

These developments may be an attempt to lock up or keep a check on the potential coup-plotters in Russia as per a theory, The Mirror reported. &nbsp;&nbsp;

While talking about the corruption case where several officials have been arrested or detained, Nevzlin, who is the exiled former co-owner of oil giant Yukos, also said, "Everything is clear here - the total embezzlement of funds for the preparation of [taking over the leadership of Ukraine]. Since 2014, about $10 billion (USD) allocated by Putin for the preparation of the blitzkrieg has been stolen.” &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. Russian forces in Ukraine have been forced to change strategy and witness several hardships since the war began on February 24. Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu seems to have been missing the whole action. The 66-year-old leader seems to have suffered a "massive" heart attack. He is currently fighting for his life. Shoigu is believed to be in intensive care. The minister’s condition seems to be not due to natural causes, as per a Russian President Vladimir Putin's adversary. Also Read: Invading forces in Ukraine deported 500,000 civilians to Russia, says report On Facebook, 62-year-old Russian businessman Leonid Nevzlin, has said, “Shoigu is out of the game, he may become disabled if he survives. He suddenly had a massive heart attack. He is in intensive care, connected to devices. Rumour has it that the heart attack could not have occurred from natural causes.” Nevzlin, who is a Russian-born Israeli businessman and philanthropist, made these claims citing unspecified sources in Moscow. Watch: Russia pledges more attacks on Kyiv, accuses Ukraine of bombing border town × In a separate case of £7.6billion "corruption", around 20 defence ministry generals have been detained, Nevzlin further alleged. These developments may be an attempt to lock up or keep a check on the potential coup-plotters in Russia as per a theory, The Mirror reported. While talking about the corruption case where several officials have been arrested or detained, Nevzlin, who is the exiled former co-owner of oil giant Yukos, also said, "Everything is clear here - the total embezzlement of funds for the preparation of [taking over the leadership of Ukraine]. Since 2014, about $10 billion (USD) allocated by Putin for the preparation of the blitzkrieg has been stolen.” (With inputs from agencies)

Russian defence minister suffers 'massive' heart attack from unnatural causes, claims businessman

Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoygu called his Indian counterpart Nirmala Sitharaman to express condolences for the Pulwama terror attack and further strengthened the military cooperation between the two countries.

“Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoygu called Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to express condolences for the Pulwama attack and emphasized on the determination to strengthen Indo-Russian military cooperation,” the Defence Ministry of India tweeted.

Over 40 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel lost their lives after a suicide bomber rammed his explosive-laden vehicle into the convoy of the security forces in Pulwama in South Kashmir.

Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), a terror outfit based in Pakistan, claimed the responsibility of orchestrating the attack.

On February 26, India carried out air strike on a JeM training camp in Balakot in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, following which Jammu and Kashmir saw heightened military activity from February 27 onwards.

Pakistani jets violated the Indian air space and dropped some bombs in Rajouri sector after which one of their fighters was shot down.

Early on February 28, India also claimed it foiled an attempt by Pakistan Air Force to carry out strikes in Jammu and Kashmir by shooting down an F-16 fighter plane.

On the same day, Russian President Vladimir Putin also telephoned Prime Minister Narendra Modi and expressed his condolences on the ghastly terror attack.

He further conveyed solidarity of the people of Russia with the people of India in the fight against terrorism.Both leaders also agreed that the concerned (Pakistan) should stop all support to terrorism.&nbsp;

Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoygu called his Indian counterpart Nirmala Sitharaman to express condolences for the Pulwama terror attack and further strengthened the military cooperation between the two countries.

Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoygu called his Indian counterpart Nirmala Sitharaman to express condolences for the Pulwama terror attack and further strengthened the military cooperation between the two countries. “Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoygu called Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to express condolences for the Pulwama attack and emphasized on the determination to strengthen Indo-Russian military cooperation,” the Defence Ministry of India tweeted. Over 40 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel lost their lives after a suicide bomber rammed his explosive-laden vehicle into the convoy of the security forces in Pulwama in South Kashmir. Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), a terror outfit based in Pakistan, claimed the responsibility of orchestrating the attack. On February 26, India carried out air strike on a JeM training camp in Balakot in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, following which Jammu and Kashmir saw heightened military activity from February 27 onwards. Pakistani jets violated the Indian air space and dropped some bombs in Rajouri sector after which one of their fighters was shot down. Early on February 28, India also claimed it foiled an attempt by Pakistan Air Force to carry out strikes in Jammu and Kashmir by shooting down an F-16 fighter plane. On the same day, Russian President Vladimir Putin also telephoned Prime Minister Narendra Modi and expressed his condolences on the ghastly terror attack. He further conveyed solidarity of the people of Russia with the people of India in the fight against terrorism.Both leaders also agreed that the concerned (Pakistan) should stop all support to terrorism.

Russian defence minister calls up Nirmala Sitharaman, expresses condolence over Pulwama attack

Russia to supply Syria with S-300 anti-missile system

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