On August 17, 2024, russian media reported that President Vladimir Putin had promoted the daughter of his cousin (often referred to as his niece) Anna Tsivileva to be State Secretary of the Ministry of Defense. Anna Tsivileva was previously appointed a Deputy Defense Minister, a role which she retains, in June 2024. As State Secretary Anna Tsivileva is elevated above ordinary Deputy Defense Minister (of whom there are an additional seven) and is responsible for the MOD’s relationship with the legislature and other government bodies, the UK Defense Intelligence reports.
Before 2023, Anna Tsivileva had no known background or relationship to defense matters. She trained as a psychiatrist before making money in a number of medical supply companies. In 2023 she became Chairperson of the State Foundation for Support for Participants in the Defenders of the Fatherland Special Military Operation, which organized voluntary donations in support of the War in Ukraine. Anna Tsivileva is married to russian Energy Minister Sergei Tsivilev.
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Anna Tsivileva’s original appointment in June drew muted criticism from russian press for the nepotism that tested even russian tolerance for corrupt practice. There is a realistic possibility that her further elevation indicative of the increasing insularity of the russian elite.
Read more: The UK Defense Intelligence Analyzes How Ukrainian Forces Have Penetrated Deep into russia’s Kursk Region
