Vladislav Surkov © Alexei Druzhinin/TASS
TASS: Putin removes Surkov from presidential aide office
The order is effective on the day of signing
MOSCOW, February 18. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed an executive order to release Vladislav Surkov from the position of his aide, the Kremlin’s press service said.
"To relieve Vladislav Surkov from the position of the aide to the Russian president," the order reads.
The order also notes that it is effective on the day of signing.
Surkov was appointed Putin’s aide in September 2013. He headed the Russian Presidential Directorate for Social and Economic Cooperation with the Commonwealth of Independent States Member Countries, the Republic of Abkhazia, and the Republic of South Ossetia. Following the coup d’etat in Ukraine in winter 2014, he was also put in charge of the Ukrainian policy and issues of the Donbass settlement. He took part in preparations for Normandy Four meetings and was engaging in contacts with the US Department of State representatives on the Ukrainian crisis issues.
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WNU Editor: This is big news. Known as the Kremlin's Grey Cardinal, he has been with Putin since the beginning. His departure, like that of former Prime Minister Medvedev last month, is a signal to me that big changes are underway in the Kremlin. What are those changes? IMHO it all revolves around President Putin positioning himself to stay in power, and removing those who he feels will be an obstacle to him.
More News On Russian President Putin Firing Long Term Aide Vladislav Surkov
Putin orders to remove Surkov from Russian presidential aide office -- RT
Vladislav Surkov: Russia's Putin dismisses secretive adviser -- BBC
Putin sacks prominent Kremlin ideologue, Ukraine hardliner -- Reuters
Putin Fires Longtime Aide, Ex-Ukraine Peace Negotiator Surkov -- RFE
