Vladimir Putin approved the changes to the government proposed by Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, including the appointment of Anton Siluanov as Deputy Prime Minister

Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed his support on Monday for the personnel changes proposed by Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin during a meeting held at the Kremlin. The announcement was made by Dmitry Peskov, spokesperson for the Russian presidency.

According to Peskov, the proposals were discussed in the context of the social and economic problems facing Russia and received the head of state's approval. Under the Constitution, candidates for government positions must also receive the support of the State Duma.

The announced changes include the appointment of Anton Siluanov as deputy prime minister, in addition to his position as finance minister. Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, who has led the government since 2020, does not appear to be in danger despite economic difficulties, the widening public deficit and increased defense spending.

The Kremlin-linked United Russia party won 349 of the Duma's 450 seats in the legislative elections in September, a vote contested by the opposition through allegations of fraud. At the same time, Putin's and the party's popularity has declined amid economic problems, the cost of living and discontent over the war in Ukraine.