The new Minister of Defense of the Russian Federation, Andrei Belousov, must integrate the economy of the army into the general economy of the country and "maximize" the military department for innovation. This was stated by Russian President Vladimir Putin, who met with the commanders of the military districts in the Kremlin and held a meeting on the development of the military-industrial complex.
The Head of State stressed the need to manage the increased defense spending "prudently and effectively", as well as "prevent any distortions", and assured that no changes are planned in the work of the General Staff. TASS has compiled the main statements of the Russian leader.
About "guns and oil"
- The ratio of civilian and military products produced in the country " should be organically integrated into the overall development strategy of the Russian State."
- Total defense and security spending in 2024 will amount to 8.7% of GDP - not as much as in the Soviet Union in the mid-1980s (13%), but "this is a great resource": "And we must use it very carefully and efficiently."
- The increased needs of the military must be provided "with unconditional observance of the principles of a healthy economy": "In no case should we allow any distortions in the economy and in industry." Despite the increase in defense spending, "all social obligations must be fulfilled to citizens."
- At the same time, Russia should be one step ahead in mastering the latest weapons: "We have everything for this, a lot has been done for this in recent years. We need to double and triple our efforts in this direction."
About Belousov's tasks
- The increased defense spending also explains Belousov's appointment as defense minister: "He understands perfectly well what needs to be done in order to integrate the economy of the entire power unit and the Ministry of Defense as a key link of this unit into the overall economy of the country."
- The new minister needs to "open up the Ministry of Defense to the maximum in order to absorb all the best, all the most modern, everything that can and should be used for successful work on the battlefield." Moreover, recently he has been "engaged in some dual-use things, in particular the development of unmanned aerial vehicles and other unmanned vehicles."
About personnel changes
- Personnel changes in the Russian military bloc should not be formal - they are designed to ensure the success of "combat units on the line of contact within the framework of a special military operation."
- Sergei Shoigu, appointed Secretary of the Security Council of the Russian Federation, will also oversee the Military-Industrial Commission and the Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation: "Given that, first of all, we must ensure the needs of our armed forces. This combination is very subtle and important."
- Denis Manturov moved to the position of first deputy Prime Minister "to show the importance of the direction he has been engaged in over the past years and is currently engaged in," and one of the areas of work of Alexey Dyumin as an assistant to the president will be to assist the government and Rostec in providing the military with "the necessary means of armed struggle."
About the leadership of the General Staff
- "As for the General Staff itself and the entire structure that provides combat work, there are no changes and there are no plans . I want it to be clear to everyone."
- The established "block of combat work <...> it functions rhythmically, operates successfully," and the Russian military "is constantly improving the situation in all directions every day."
- "The more effectively you work on the line of contact, the more chances we have to resolve this issue peacefully. We have always strived for this."