Putin Demonstratively Humiliates Shoigu

• 14.06.2023, 8:44

Does the Russian leader want to redirect the soldiers' anger towards the defense minister?

Russian President Vladimir Putin visited the Central Military Hospital named after Vishnevsky in Moscow region on Monday and presented state awards to soldiers who had fought in Ukraine.

BILD journalist Mark Oliver Rühle draws attention to the Russian president's behaviour towards Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu.

"Putin defiantly turned his back to Shoigu, who was left standing helplessly. This curious scene made Shoigu look uncomfortable! ...> Putin humiliates his defence minister," the author writes.

He reminds that previously Putin and Shoigu had a close relationship, they spent a lot of time together and travelled on holiday. But now the Russian Defence Ministry is increasingly criticised for failures in Ukraine.

"According to experts, Putin would like the anger of the population and especially the soldiers to be directed at Shoigu rather than at himself," the journalist notes.