Putin replaces Russia’s defense minister with a civilian as Ukraine war rages and defense spending spirals CNNPutin replaces defense minister with an economist Business InsiderRussia’s Vladimir Putin Swaps Out Longtime Ally Sergei Shoigu for Civilian Economist as Defense Minister The Daily BeastPutin Replaces Defense Minister in Rare Cabinet Shake-up The New York TimesPutin replaces Sergei Shoigu as defense minister in cabinet shakeup The Associated Press