MOSCOW, August 14 (RIA Novosti) — The defense minister of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People’s Republic (DPR), Igor Strelkov, resigned from the post Thursday, the republic’s official website said in a statement.
“At today’s session, the Cabinet of Ministers approved DPR Defense Minister Strelkov’s resignation due to his appointment to a new position,” the statement reads.
Alexander Zakharchenko, who heads the republic’s Council of Ministers, said that Strelkov would “do other important work,” but did not give any further details.
Vladimir Kononov was nominated to the bew defense minister’s post, his candidacy is to be approved Friday.
Igor Strelkov was previously the leader of Slaviansk self-defense forces, and was included on the European Union’s sanctions list.
Earlier today, the leader of another self-proclaimed Luhansk People’s Republic in eastern Ukraine, Valery Bolotov, said he was temporarily stepping down due to the effects of injuries.
