Shoigu conveyed Putin's gratitude for Pyongyang's "solidarity with Russia's position on all critical geopolitical issues, particularly on the Ukrainian issue."
The International Criminal Court (ICC) found reasonable grounds to believe that Russia's former Defense Minister Shoigu and Chief of the General Staff Gerasimov intentionally caused great suffering and serious injury to Ukrainian civilians by directing a series of missile strikes against Ukraine's electric infrastructure.
Russia's appointment of economist Belousov as new defense minister, replacing Shoigu, is unlikely to have major immediate effect on Russia's approach to war in Ukraine, per UK intelligence.
This follows the arrest of a deputy defense minister & suggests Putin blames Shoigu for failing to meet military goals in Ukraine. However, Shoigu's dismissal seems unlikely in 2024.
French FM Séjourné is skeptical about dialog with Russia, highlights Europe's crucial role in providing long-term aid to ensure Ukraine's victory against the Russian invasion, emphasizing the importance of European unity and commitment.