Support The Moscow Times!

Defense Ministry Denies Serdyukov Resignation

Defense Minister Anatoly Serfyukov at a rehearsal for a military parade. Andrei Makhonin

The Defense Ministry has denied reports that Defense Minister Anatoly Serdyukov and General Staff head Nikolai Makarov have asked to step down after the May 7 inauguration of President-elect Vladimir Putin.

"Media reports about the alleged request of the defense minister to not reappoint him to head the Defense Ministry are fiction," the Defense Ministry said in a statement carried by Interfax. The ministry also denied reports that Makarov would leave.

Earlier reports quoted a high-ranking Defense Ministry official as saying the two officials would not continue in their positions under the next administration.

Serdyukov "is extremely tired of all this army 'bacchanalia,' endless reform and lack of respect for military personnel, and has asked to transfer to a quieter place," the unidentified official said. RBC Daily reported. A bacchanalia was an ancient drunken festival in honor of the Greco-Roman god of wine.

… we have a small favor to ask.

As you may have heard, The Moscow Times, an independent news source for over 30 years, has been unjustly branded as a "foreign agent" by the Russian government. This blatant attempt to silence our voice is a direct assault on the integrity of journalism and the values we hold dear.

We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. Our commitment to providing accurate and unbiased reporting on Russia remains unshaken. But we need your help to continue our critical mission.

Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just 2. It's quick to set up, and you can be confident that you're making a significant impact every month by supporting open, independent journalism. Thank you.

Continue

Read more