Kremlin Reshuffle Sees New Chief of Staff Appointed

Russian President Vladimir Putin has released Sergei Ivanov, the chief of staff of the Russian presidential administration, from his duties, the Kremlin said Friday.

MOSCOW (Sputnik) — Anton Vaino, who previously served as deputy chief of staff, has taken over the position. He has also been accepted as a member of the Russian Security Council, according to the Kremlin.

"President of Russia has issued a decree to release Ivanov from his duties as the head of the administration of the president of the Russian Federation," the Kremlin said in a statement.

Ivanov has been appointed as the new special presidential envoy on environmental management, ecology and transport. 

Vladimir Putin said Friday that he was satisfied with the work Sergei Ivanov had done as Kremlin chief of staff and that Ivanov himself had asked to be transferred to a different position.

"We have successfully worked together for many years. I am satisfied with the way you have carried out the tasks you have been entrusted with," Putin said at a meeting with Ivanov, broadcast by Rossiya-24.

According to the president, Ivanov himself recommended to appoint new chief of staff Anton Vaino as his successor.