Putin Appoints His Billionaire Niece Anna Tsivileva as Deputy Defense Minister of the Russian Federation

In a move that has garnered significant attention, Russian President Vladimir Putin has appointed his niece, billionaire Anna Tsivileva, as Deputy Minister of Defense of the Russian Federation. 

This decision, detailed in an official decree published on Russia's legal acts portal, positions Tsivileva in a crucial role within the nation's defense structure.

Anna Tsivileva, previously known as Anna Putina, is married to Sergey Tsivilyev, Russia's Minister of Energy. 

Sergey Tsivilyev assumed his ministerial role in May after serving as the governor of the Kemerovo Region. 

Tsivileva has been reported by investigative outlet Agentstvo to be President Putin's second cousin, further intertwining the complexities of familial and political ties within the Russian elite.

Adding to the prominence of the appointment, Pavel Fradkov, the youngest son of Mikhail Fradkov—Director of the Russian Institute for Strategic Studies and former Prime Minister and chief of foreign intelligence—has also been appointed as Deputy Minister of Defense. 

This reshuffling reflects a consolidation of power among those with close personal and familial ties to the highest echelons of Russian governance.

Tsivileva is a notable figure in her own right, owning a major coal company named Kolmar. 

In August 2022, her coal enterprise made headlines when it relocated from Switzerland to Dubai to circumvent the embargo on Russian coal, highlighting her strategic business acumen. 

Beyond her corporate endeavors, Tsivileva and her family are involved in the tourism industry, owning a venture at the Sheregesh ski resort, managed by her son from a previous marriage who is also a relative of Putin.

Her new role in the Ministry of Defense is not her first foray into positions of national importance. 

Tsivileva heads the Defenders of the Fatherland foundation, established by Putin, which supports soldiers in the so-called “Special Military Operation” (a euphemism used by the Russian state to refer to its invasion of Ukraine). 

This foundation has garnered substantial public support, with Putin himself praising Tsivileva during a live broadcast in December 2023, noting that citizens had donated over 10 billion rubles ($112 million) to the foundation for military purposes.

The appointment of Anna Tsivileva as Deputy Defense Minister is a clear signal of Putin's intention to keep key roles within the family and trusted inner circle. 

As she steps into this influential position, her extensive business background and close familial connections are expected to play a significant role in shaping her approach to her new responsibilities within the Russian defense establishment.