Russian Federation Council to Decide on Security and Defense Nominees by May 20

The Russian Federation Council will decide on presidential nominees for security and defense positions in the new government by May 20, 2024, and report their stance to President Vladimir Putin, according to Valentina Matviyenko, the chairwoman of the Federation Council. The Council will consider and approve candidates for key positions such as the defense minister, foreign minister, and heads of security agencies before the deadline.

This decision is part of the process of forming the new government in Russia following the recent presidential election. The Federation Council plays a vital role in the nomination and approval of candidates for important government positions related to national security and defense.

The announcement comes amid ongoing tensions and developments in Russia's security apparatus. On Tuesday evening, Timur Ivanov, one of Russia's 12 deputy defense ministers, was arrested on suspicion of accepting a bribe and sent to pre-trial detention after appearing before a court in central Moscow. The charges against Ivanov are related to alleged bribery during contracting and subcontracting work for the needs of the Ministry of Defense.

The Kremlin has confirmed that both President Putin and Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu were informed about Ivanov's arrest. Speculation has arisen about potential additional charges of high treason, though these rumors have been dismissed by the Kremlin spokesman.

Why this matters: The arrest of Ivanov, a close ally of Shoigu, is seen as a blow to the defense minister's camp and a sign of the rising influence of the security services. The incident signals a power struggle within Russia's elite as Putin begins his new term, with the arrest likely being driven by political reasons rather than Ivanov's actions alone.

Despite the high-profile arrest, the Russian Federation Council remains focused on its task of deciding on the presidential nominees for the new government's security and defense positions. Matviyenko emphasized the Council's commitment to thoroughly considering the candidates and providing their stance to President Putin by the May 20 deadline, ensuring a smooth transition for Russia's defense and security leadership in the coming term.

Key Takeaways

• Russia's Federation Council to nominate security/defense officials by May 20, 2024.
• Timur Ivanov, a deputy defense minister, arrested on bribery charges.
• Ivanov's arrest seen as a blow to Defense Minister Shoigu's influence.
• Power struggle within Russia's elite as Putin begins new term.
• Federation Council committed to ensuring smooth transition of defense/security leadership.