The Latest Breaking News from Kremlin

Moscow has opened a new front with Ukraine after taking several villages near Kharkiv. Russia’s spring offensive takes form as President Vladimir Putin replaces defence minister Sergei Shoigu with another Kremlin loyalist – Andrei Belousov, the deputy prime minister in charge of the economy.

As draft law described by the US as ‘Kremlin-inspired’ nears its final vote, opposition and youth groups say they will keep defending civil liberties

Unrest came as demonstrator who was attacked near his home says government is trying to intimidate critics

Updates on intense battles between Ukrainian and Russian forces, casualties, and strategic moves in border areas.

Russia’s president caught military experts by surprise with his plan to make Andrei Belousov defence minister

In a surprise reshuffle of Russia's cabinet, President Vladimir Putin has ousted long-serving defense minister Sergei Shoigu and replaced him with Andrei Belousov, an economist without military experience. This change is announced as Putin begins his fifth term, and comes amid ongoing Russian military operations in Ukraine.

President proposes Andrei Belousov as defence minister with Sergei Shoigu to become secretary of Security Council.

Putin proposed economist Andrey Belousov as Shoigu's replacement, according to a list of the ministerial nominations published by the Federation Council, Russia's upper house of parliament.

Sergei Shoigu, who is being replaced as Russia's defence minister, spearheaded Moscow's offensive in Ukraine and has been the country's longest-serving minister, as well as being one of Vladimir Putin's few close friends.