MOSCOW — Russian President Vladimir Putin sacked four deputy defense ministers on Monday and appointed a relative to fill one of the resulting vacancies. This reshuffle marks the latest phase in a radical overhaul which Putin initiated in May when he unexpectedly removed his longstanding defense minister, Sergei Shoigu.

More than two years into the war in Ukraine, Putin has used these changes to signal a commitment to eliminating wastage and corruption within the ministry and to more effectively mobilize Russia’s war economy to meet the needs of soldiers at the front.

The deputy defense ministers who were dismissed are Nikolai Pankov, Ruslan Tsalikov, Tatiana Shevtsova, and Pavel Popov, according to Kremlin decrees. Their removal is part of Putin's broader strategy to rejuvenate the defense ministry’s leadership with figures who can ensure greater efficiency and accountability.

Putin appointed Anna Tsivileva, the daughter of his late cousin, as a new deputy defense minister. Tsivileva's responsibilities will include improving social and housing support for military personnel. Her husband, Sergei Tsivilev, is Russia’s energy minister. Tsivileva has previously been appointed as head of a state fund designed to support participants of Russia’s war effort in Ukraine.

Leonid Gornin, formerly the first deputy finance minister, will now serve as first deputy defense minister under Defense Minister Andrei Belousov. Belousov, an economist with no military experience, was named last month to replace Shoigu. Gornin’s primary tasks will be to increase the transparency of financial flows and ensure the efficient spending of budget funds, according to the defense ministry.

Additionally, Oleg Savelyev and Pavel Fradkov were named as deputy defense ministers. Fradkov, the son of former Prime Minister Mikhail Fradkov, will oversee the management of property, land, and construction related to the military. The appointments are part of Putin's strategy to bring in individuals who can manage resources effectively and support the military’s logistical needs.

The reshuffle follows the arrest of former deputy defense minister Timur Ivanov on April 23, who was accused of bribe-taking. Since then, four other top officials at the ministry and the general staff have been arrested on similar charges, marking the biggest corruption scandal to hit the Russian government in years. These arrests underscore the severity of the corruption issues within the defense ministry and Putin's determination to address them.

The changes also reflect a broader effort to modernize and streamline the defense ministry’s operations. By appointing individuals with strong financial and managerial backgrounds, Putin aims to bolster the ministry’s ability to support ongoing military operations and ensure that resources are allocated efficiently.

The defense ministry is a critical component of Russia’s national security apparatus, especially amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The recent reshuffle highlights the importance Putin places on having a competent and corruption-free leadership to navigate the challenges posed by the war and to sustain Russia's military efforts.

As these new appointees take on their roles, they face the significant task of implementing reforms that will enhance the ministry's effectiveness and integrity. The international community will be closely watching how these changes impact Russia’s military operations and whether they lead to a noticeable improvement in the management of the country’s defense resources.

This significant shakeup within Russia’s defense ministry is a clear indication of Putin’s intent to reinforce his control over the military establishment, ensuring that it operates with greater discipline and less susceptibility to corruption, thus maintaining the operational readiness and morale of Russian forces engaged in the conflict in Ukraine.

The restructuring of the ministry is not only a response to internal corruption but also a strategic move to align Russia's military capabilities with its broader geopolitical ambitions. By addressing inefficiencies and ensuring a more transparent allocation of resources, Putin aims to strengthen Russia's position both on the battlefield and in the global arena. The success of these reforms will be crucial in determining Russia's ability to sustain its military operations and achieve its strategic objectives in the ongoing conflict with Ukraine.