Putin's Military Purge Intensifies with High-Ranking Arrests

A series of arrests of top Russian military officials on corruption charges has raised questions about President Vladimir Putin's control over the Defense Ministry, potential turf battles between military and security services, and the broader implications for Russia's governance. The arrests, which include high-ranking figures like former Deputy Defense Minister Timur Ivanov, come amid increased defense spending due to the war in Ukraine and suggest a crackdown on "egregious" corruption. Analysts speculate that the new defense minister, Andrei Belousov, may be clearing out his predecessor's associates and signaling a shift in how defense funds are managed. The situation could lead to more arrests and potential instability within the system, which is deeply rooted in corruption.