Putin Shakes Up Security Council with Younger Allies

President Vladimir Putin has promoted his former bodyguard, Alexei Dyumin, along with other officials, to Russia's Security Council. This move introduces a younger generation to key national security positions, reshaping the influence within this crucial decision-making body. Notable appointments also include Alexander Linets, Denis Manturov, and Veronika Skvortsova.

President Vladimir Putin has promoted his former bodyguard, Alexei Dyumin, to Russia's Security Council, signifying a shift towards a younger generation within this influential body. Dyumin, aged 52, is now one of the youngest members of the council, which is pivotal for making national security decisions. Alongside Dyumin, Putin has appointed Alexander Linets, Denis Manturov, and Veronika Skvortsova to the council.

Linets, who has headed the Kremlin's main directorate for special programmes since 2015, and Manturov, who oversees Russian defence and civilian industry, will bring crucial experience to the council. Notably, Manturov has significantly ramped up artillery production, surprising NATO despite economic sanctions.

Skvortsova, a former health minister currently leading the federal medical-biological agency, joins the council amid other senior reshuffles, including the dismissal of Vladimir Yakushev. This move also highlights a generational shift from older council members, such as Sergei Shoigu and Nikolai Patrushev, both born in the 1950s, to younger leaders.

(With inputs from agencies.)