PRESIDENT PUTIN HUMILIATES DEFENSE CHIEF SHOIGU DURING HOSPITAL VISIT

Thu 15 June 2023:

On the occasion of “Day of Russia,” Russian President Vladimir Putin (70) paid tribute to wounded servicemen during a visit to a military hospital. However, footage obtained by Russian media shows an apparent tension between Putin and Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu (68), one of his closest allies.

Putin appears to disregard Shoigu by turning his back on him in the recordings, putting the defense chief in an embarrassing situation.

This video has aroused discussion about the nature of their relationship, as the Russian elite keenly monitors Putin’s public encounters in order to judge his connections and preferences.

Putin publicly humiliates defense chief Shoigu during a hospital visit

During a visit to a military hospital on Monday to honor wounded Russian soldiers on the occasion of "Day of Russia," Putin demonstrated a surprising snub towards Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu#UkraineWar pic.twitter.com/uTwQerVon2

— INDEPENDENT PRESS (@IpIndependent) June 14, 2023

The incident at the military hospital in Krasnogorsk near Moscow, where Putin presented medals and spoke to military members, seemed to indicate a rift between the two leaders, contradicting the joint photos they used to circulate.

Russia’s perceived failure in the Ukraine war has drawn little support from Putin towards his defense minister.

Experts suggest that Putin would rather have the population and soldiers direct their resentment towards Shoigu rather than himself.

Shoigu is also facing challenges regarding the ongoing dispute with the “Wagner” mercenaries. The Ministry of Defense intends to bring all Russian voluntary organizations under its command, requiring them to sign a contract with the authority by July 1st. This move aims to secure the legal status of over 40 voluntary associations. However, Yevgeny Prigozhin (62), the influential leader of the Russian private army “Wagner,” has already announced his refusal to sign such a contract.

SOURCE: INDEPENDENT PRESS AND NEWS AGENCIES

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