Kiev: War is raging between Russia and Ukraine. Meanwhile, Vladimir Putin’s Minister of Defense Sergei Shoigu has not been seen in recent days. He is said to have had a heart attack. According to media reports, Shoigu, a close ally of Russian President Putin since 2012, has been missing for the past few weeks. Russian-Israeli businessman Leonid Nevsley also made sensational claims about the rift between Putin and his close advisers and military leaders. In addition, some reports claim that 20 generals have been arrested for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Ukraine’s claim, blamed for the war’s failure
Ukrainian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu has suffered a heart attack after a heated argument with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Ukrainian Minister Anton Gereshchenko has claimed. The minister said Putin had blamed him for the “failure” of his special military operation in Ukraine, which led to a rift between the two leaders. The Ukrainian minister added that this was the reason why the defense minister, considered the second mastermind of the war, had not been seen in public since March 11. However, on March 24, the Russian Defense Minister was seen on television once again. However, it was not immediately clear if the footage was new or old. His sudden disappearance from the public for a while sparked speculation that he had not yet been punished for occupying Ukrainian cities.
Putin’s video went viral
A video of President Vladimir Putin went viral on social media two days before Russia invaded Ukraine. In the video, Putin is seen asking Russia to speak openly with Sergei Narishkin, head of the Foreign Intelligence Service, about his stance on recognizing Donetsk and Luhansk as independent states. Narishkin is also considered one of his closest associates.
Putin is not ashamed to reprimand
Russian President Vladimir Putin is not ashamed to publicly embarrass his top officials. In another image that went viral on social media, Putin was seen sitting away from Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and others during a meeting. This led to speculation of differences between the Russian president and his superiors. Many say Putin did not want any ambiguity in his inner circle on the subject of Ukraine.
Putin’s most trusted defense minister
Putin’s longtime confidant was appointed defense minister in 2012. Sergei Shoigu was at the top when Russia annexed Crimea in 2014. Some say Shoigu goes on a hunting trip with the Russian president. Following the Russian military incursion into Ukraine on February 24, it was Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu who put Russia’s nuclear forces on high alert at Putin’s behest.
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