CIA: Russia is preparing a military coup US officials suggest Putin fears Sergey Shoygu will attempt coup next week. Growing distancing between the individuals and closed-doors conversations suggest a replacement is being architected. It is deemed probable that Shoygu will be tried for corruption and treason. https://bit.ly/3sNWLQI Shoigu has been the Minister of Defense of Russia for almost 10 years. He was appointed to this position on November 6, 2012. Prior to that, he served as Minister for Civil Defense, Emergencies and Disaster Relief for 8 years. A permanent member of the Security Council of the Russian Federation, he is considered one of Putin's closest associates and was even considered in the media as his likely successor.