In a move that has raised eyebrows, Russian President Vladimir Putin has reportedly assigned a family member, Anna Tsivileva, to the role of state secretary.
This is in addition to her existing position as deputy minister of defense. Tsivileva is the offspring of Yevgeny Mikhailovich Putin, a cousin of the Russian leader, making her Putin's first cousin once removed.
As reported by Newsweek, Tsivileva's recent elevation to the defense position on June 17 was met with a wave of criticism and allegations of nepotism. Her responsibilities in this role included overseeing social and housing support for military personnel. Tsivileva also manages the state fund "Defenders of the Fatherland," a program designed to support military veterans. It remains unclear whether she will continue to manage this fund in conjunction with her new duties.
This reshuffling of roles comes on the heels of a series of Russian losses to Ukraine, particularly in the Kursk region. Ukrainian forces have made significant inroads into Russian territory since the war's inception in February 2022. The Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelensky, has stated that Ukraine now controls at least 80 settlements in Kursk. Recent reports suggest that Ukraine has destroyed a third bridge in the region, potentially leaving Russian soldiers isolated from supplies.
In response to these setbacks and apparent manpower shortages, Russia has reportedly deployed its "space troops," a regiment of its Aerospace Forces. This information was revealed by an independent investigative Russian publication.
The role of state secretary, established by Putin in 2005, is a pivotal one within Russia's federal executive bodies, including the Ministry of Defense. The position involves organizing legislative work and preparing proposals for new federal laws.
Tsivileva, 52, comes from a medical background, having graduated from the Ivanovo State Medical Academy and the Peoples' Friendship University of Russia. Prior to Putin's presidency, Tsivileva served as a doctor in a psychiatric hospital in Ivanovo. She later transitioned into the business sector in Moscow, focusing on the supply of medical equipment. This blend of medical and business expertise, coupled with her familial ties to Putin, may well shape the future of Russia's defense and executive bodies.
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