Putin Replaces Sergei Shoigu

Sergei Shoigu, who is being replaced as Russia's defence minister, spearheaded Moscow's offensive in Ukraine and has been the country's longest-serving minister, as well as being one of Vladimir Putin's few close friends.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday fired Defence minister Anatoly Serdyukov, replacing him with Moscow region governor Sergei Shoigu, his spokesman said.

Sergei Shoigu, who is being replaced as Russia's defence minister, spearheaded Moscow's offensive in Ukraine and has been the country's longest-serving minister, as well as being one of Vladimir Putin's few close friends.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday fired Defence minister Anatoly Serdyukov, replacing him with Moscow region governor Sergei Shoigu, his spokesman said.