Putin appoints his relatives to top positions - British intelligence

According to the briefing, on August 17, Russian media reported that Vladimir Putin had promoted his cousin's daughter (often referred to as his niece), Anna Tsivileva, to the position of State Secretary of the Ministry of Defense.

Previously, Tsivileva was appointed Deputy Minister of Defense, a position she retained in June 2024. As State Secretary, Tsivileva holds a higher rank than a regular Deputy Minister of Defense (of which there are seven) and is responsible for the department’s relations with the legislative body and other state institutions, the report states.

According to British intelligence, until 2023, Tsivileva had no known background or connection to defense matters. She trained as a psychiatrist before making money in various medical supply companies. In 2023, she became the head of the state fund "Defenders of the Fatherland," which organized war efforts against Ukraine.

Tsivileva is married to Russian Energy Minister Sergei Tsivilev.

"Tsivileva's original appointment in June drew muted criticism from the Russian press for the nepotism that tested even Russian tolerance for corrupt practice. There is a realistic possibility that her further elevation is indicative of the increasing insularity of the Russian elite," the UK Ministry of Defense wrote.

British intelligence had previously said that corruption is widespread in the Russian military-industrial complex and is generally tolerated within certain limits, as long as those involved enjoy the necessary political patronage.