Putin's cousin climbs higher in defense amidst nepotism concerns
Vladimir Putin has promoted his cousin, Anna Tsiwilowa, to a position in the Ministry of Defense. This is a challenge even for the Russian tolerance of corruption and may indicate the growing insularity of the country's elite, reports the British Ministry of Defense.
Putin promoted Tsiwilowa, his cousin's daughter and often referred to as his niece, to the position of State Secretary in the Ministry of Defense. This is her latest promotion. In June of this year, Tsiwilowa became Deputy Minister of Defense and will retain that position.
As State Secretary, Tsiwilowa has been elevated above the ordinary Deputy Ministers of Defense, of whom there are seven, and will be responsible in the ministry for contacts with the parliament and other departments.
In the update, it was noted that nothing is known about any experience or contacts she had in defence matters before 2023. Her education is in psychiatry, and she later worked in companies dealing with medical supplies.
Putin's cousin is married to the Energy Minister
In 2023, she became the chairperson of the State Foundation for the Support of Participants of the Special Military Operation "Defenders of the Fatherland," which organizes collections to support the war in Ukraine. Tsiwilowa is married to the Russian Energy Minister Sergei Tsiwilow.
"The initial promotion of Tsiwilowa in June was met with muted criticism from the Russian press due to nepotism, which posed a challenge even for Russian tolerance of corrupt practices. There is a real possibility that her further promotions indicate the growing insularity of the Russian elite," it was assessed.
