In a striking development within Russia’s military establishment, Dmitry Bulgakov, a former senior defence official, has been arrested and charged with corruption. This incident marks the latest in a series of high-profile purges within the country’s military leadership.
Bulgakov, who served as Deputy Defence Minister overseeing military logistics for nearly 15 years before his dismissal in September 2022, was detained by the Federal Security Service (FSB) on Friday. He has been placed in Moscow's notorious Lefortovo Prison, known for its association with high-profile detainees.
During his tenure, Bulgakov was often criticized for the Russian army's logistical shortcomings during the initial stages of the Kremlin’s invasion of Ukraine. These failures, including severe shortages in supplies, significantly hampered Russia’s military operations and contributed to stalled advancements on the battlefield.
Bulgakov, who holds several prestigious military and civilian awards, including the Hero of Russia—Russia’s highest honor—was one of the most senior and longest-serving officials in the defence ministry. His arrest is part of a broader crackdown that began on April 23, following the arrest of Timur Ivanov, another high-ranking deputy defence minister. Over the following weeks, four additional senior defence officials were apprehended on corruption charges, marking one of the most significant shake-ups in the Russian military in recent decades.
The purge extended to the highest echelons of the ministry, culminating in the dismissal of Sergei Shoigu, Russia’s longtime Defence Minister. He was replaced by Andrei Belousov, a technocrat economist, reflecting a shift towards streamlining military production and addressing systemic corruption amid the prolonged conflict with Ukraine.
Observers suggest that these dramatic changes are part of President Vladimir Putin’s broader strategy to enhance military efficiency and reduce corruption within the defence sector. The recent arrests underscore the increasing role of the FSB in these developments, signaling a significant consolidation of power within Russia’s security apparatus.
The Kremlin has previously downplayed concerns about a systemic crackdown within the military. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov remarked in May, “The fight against corruption is consistent work. It is not a campaign, it is constantly ongoing work.”
As the conflict with Ukraine continues, the impact of these changes on Russia’s military capabilities and strategic objectives remains to be seen.
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