Russian President Vladimir Putin holds a virtual meeting with advisors, including Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu. RIA Novosti
The Guardian: Russian defence minister resurfaces on TV – but for just a few seconds
Kremlin rolls out Sergei Shoigu for brief airing in response to media rumblings over his whereabouts For just a few seconds on Thursday, Sergei Shoigu was back on Russians’ television screens, sitting in the corner box of a teleconference with Vladimir Putin.
The Russian defence minister, arguably the man most responsible for the floundering war effort in Ukraine, had not been seen in public for 12 days.
Nor had the chief of the general staff of Russia’s armed forces, Valery Gerasimov. Rumours were beginning to circulate that they may have been punished over the bungled invasion, which has failed to capture key Ukrainian cities such as Kharkiv or Kyiv and plunged Russia into economic isolation.
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WNU Editor: There are still doubts that he is around .... Has Russia FAKED missing defence minister's return? Video of Sergei Shoigu's Zoom meeting with Putin seems to be a recording of old footage - amid reports the failed war efforts have 'strained' their relationship (Daily Mail).
Russian Defence Minister Resurfaces On TV After Being Missing For 12 Days
Putin's defence chief resurfaces after disappearing from view -- Reuters
Sergei Shoigu Reappears After Missing Russian Minister Prompts Speculation -- Newsweek
Russian defense chief resurfaces -- The Hill
Kremlin Rebuffs Speculation as Defense Minister Unseen for Days -- Moacow Times/AFP
Questions swirl over whereabouts of Russia's defense minister -- CNN