On May 12, 2024, by a decree from Russian President Vladimir Putin, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, who had headed the ministry for almost 12 years,[1] was relieved of his post and appointed as the secretary of Russia's Security Council. Andrey Belousov, who had been First Deputy Prime Minister was appointed defense minister.
Russian President Vladimir Putin was interviewed by former Fox News host Tucker Carlson, marking his first interview with a Western media figure since the invasion of Ukraine
Journalists from other countries were not allowed to attend the press conference of French President Emmanuel Macron in New Delhi. The Russian Foreign Ministry said that the decision was taken to protect freedom of speech.