The latest news and top stories on Sergei Shoigu. A Russian politician and military leader, he currently serves as Secretary of the Security Council of the Russian Federation, appointed in May 2024. Previously, he held the role of Minister of Defence from 2012 to 2024, overseeing the modernisation of the Russian Armed Forces, including establishing special operations forces. His career includes over two decades as Minister of Emergency Situations. With a background in civil engineering, Shoigu is known for his close alliance with Vladimir Putin and recently facilitated North Korean sappers and construction workers for Russia’s Kursk region.