Russia plans four new deputy prime ministers as Finance Minister Anton Siluanov gains influence and Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin loses a close aide

On October 19, 2026, Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin announced a cabinet reshuffle, which will see the addition of four new deputy prime ministers. The government will also have a new transport minister, as part of the changes.

Finance Minister Anton Siluanov, who has led the Finance Ministry since 2011, will become one of the new deputy prime ministers while retaining his current role. This appointment strengthens Siluanov's position and is seen as a response to external pressure.

Mishustin's government previously had no deputy prime minister overseeing finance. Experts believe this appointment will bolster Siluanov's influence. However, some speculate that the decision is not a move to replace Mishustin, as Siluanov has not relinquished his finance minister title.

Irina Okladnikova, 41, will become the government's chief of staff, also with the rank of deputy prime minister. Her role will involve overseeing the efficient use of budget funds, managing national debt, and expanding the National Wealth Fund.

Primorsky Krai Governor Oleg Kozhemyako will replace Yuri Trutnev as a new deputy prime minister. Trutnev has served in the Far Eastern Federal District for 13 years and decided to leave the government on his own. The Transport Ministry, currently led by Andrey Nikitin, will remain with Nikitin in his new capacity. The Federal Air Transport Agency head, Dmitry Yadrov, will be appointed as the transport minister.

The reshuffle is believed to reflect Siluanov's growing influence in the government, as well as Mishustin's efforts to maintain control over funding and personnel decisions.