Putin introduced Belousov to the commander of the military districts

Putin introduced Defense Minister Belousov to the commander of the military districts

MOSCOW, May 15 — RIA Novosti. Vladimir Putin introduced the new Defense Minister Andrei Belousov at a meeting with the commanders of the military districts.

"Andrei Belousov has been appointed the new Minister of Defense," the president said.

Belousov's appointment is due to the fact that spending on the military component is growing, this year it will amount to 8.7 percent of GDP, the head of state explained.

With an increase in military spending, all social obligations must be fulfilled, the president stressed. He clarified that we are talking about the development of education, healthcare, support for veterans, and provision of pension services.

At the same time, defense spending gives an impetus to the development of industry, Putin stressed.

The President added that Andrei Belousov perfectly understands how to integrate the economy of the power bloc into the overall economy of the country.

In addition, he thanked Sergei Shoigu for the work on the construction of the new armed forces. Putin clarified that the ex-minister will lead the military-industrial complex commission under the president and organize the work of the Federal Service for Cooperation with Foreign Countries.

On Tuesday, Vladimir Putin approved Andrei Belousov as head of the Defense Ministry. The former head of the department was appointed secretary of the Security Council.

Andrey Belousov has been in public service since 2006. In 2006-2008, he was Deputy Minister of Economic Development. In 2008-2012, Belousov became Director of the Department of Economics and Finance of the Russian Government. In 2012-2013, he worked as Minister of Economic Development. In June 2013, Belousov became an assistant to the president, and in June 2018 he was reassigned to this post. In January 2020, Andrei Belousov was appointed First Deputy Prime Minister.

On the progress of its work and the work of the General Staff

The Head of State also noted at the meeting that all the tasks assigned to the military are being fulfilled, and the work is going according to plan.

The President clarified that there are no changes in the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces and there are no plans, this unit of combat work has developed and is operating successfully.

Protection of people in the border area

The Head of State pointed out that Kiev regularly attacks civilians in the border regions of Russia. At the same time, the Ukrainian Armed Forces have been doing this since 2014, when Moscow tried to resolve the conflict by peaceful means.

The Russian leader added that much more needs to be done in the troops, but a quick response to the demands of the time gives confidence that the tasks will be solved.