Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu has stopped to appear in public space since 11 March, that is, he is not visible for 12 days out of 28, while the war in Ukraine is going on, according to Russian media, Ukrainian Pravda reports.
It is mentioned that usually Shoigu is very active in the media. With his arrival at the Ministry of Defense, the staff of the press service has sharply increased, and the department began to pay great attention to its public image.
“Agency” reports that until March 11, Shoigu appeared in the news almost every day.
Among the surrounding of Shoigu, they are discussing that he is unwell. There are heart problems, an acquaintance of the minister tells the publication.
It is known that the last time the head of the Russian Defense Ministry appeared in the news on 11 March. There is a video in which Shoigu presents state awards to the occupiers who participated in the “special military operation.”
On 18 March, Shoigu is mentioned in a message on the Kremlin website, which says that President Vladimir Putin discussed with the permanent members of the Security Council “the course of a special operation in Ukraine.” According to the report, Shoigu was also present at the meeting. Video and photos from the meeting were not published.
The latest news related to Shoigu on the website of the Ministry of Defense is also dated as of 11 March.
Investigative journalists have noticed that no events with the participation of the Chief of General Staff of the Russian Federation Valery Gerasimov have been registered since 11 March as well.
It should be reminded that early in the morning of 24 February; Russian President Vladimir Putin announced the launch of a special military operation in Ukraine, aimed at ensuring the security of the Donetsk and Luhansk republics, as well as removing the “Nazi regime” in Ukraine.
The United States and the European Union have described Russia’s move as a direct aggression by Russia against Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.
The Verkhovna Rada has declared martial law in Ukraine.
