Putin seeks to remove Shoigu as head of Russia’s defense ministry

• Russian leader Vladimir Putin on Sunday proposed that Sergei Shoigu be removed from his role as defense minister and be appointed to oversee the country’s security and defense council.
• Putin nominated former vice prime minister Andrei Belousov as defense minister, the Federation Council, Russia’s upper legislative chamber, said on its official Telegram channel.
• The shakeup comes amid signs that Russia is escalating its attacks on Ukraine as summer approaches. Russian infantry and armored vehicles early Friday launched attacks on Ukraine’s northeastern Kharkiv Region after shelling the border and hitting the city of Vovchansk with airstrikes.

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