About
Sergei Kuzhugetovich Shoigu is a Russian politician and military officer. He has served as secretary of the Security Council since 2024. From 2012 to 2024 he served as the Minister of Defence of Russia. Shoigu has also served as the chairman of the Council of Ministers of Defense of the Commonwealth of Independent States from 2012 to 2024. He is a close confidant of President Vladimir Putin and has played a significant role in Russia's military modernization.
Career Timeline
Head of Emergency Situations Committee
Appointed to lead Russia's emergency response agency as the Soviet Union collapsed. This role began his rise in post-Soviet Russian politics.
Minister of Emergency Situations
Served as Minister for a decade, building a reputation as an effective administrator. His competence and loyalty to Putin positioned him for higher office.
Appointed Minister of Defence
Putin appointed him as Minister of Defence, overseeing Russia's military modernization. This elevated his profile significantly as one of Russia's most powerful officials.
Crimea Annexation
Oversaw the military operation to annex Crimea from Ukraine. This controversial action made him internationally known and a key figure in Russian geopolitics.
Ukraine Invasion Leadership
Led Russia's military as it launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. His role in this historic and controversial conflict made him one of the world's most recognized military leaders.
Security Council Secretary
Moved from Defence Minister to Secretary of the Security Council. This lateral move maintained his position as one of Putin's closest and most influential advisors amid ongoing war.
Putin's Top Security Advisor
Remains one of Russia's most powerful officials and Putin's inner circle. Widely known internationally due to Ukraine war and his long tenure in Russian leadership, making him a household name in geopolitics.
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Last updated: February 23, 2026