Putin set to replace Shoigu as defence minister

Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to replace his long-standing ally Sergei Shoigu as defence minister, according to state news agency reports.

Mr Shoigu, who has served as minister since 2012, is to be appointed the head of Russia's Security Council, according to a decree posted on the Kremlin website.

Papers published by the upper chamber of the Russian parliament said Andrei Belousov will replace Mr Shoigu.

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