Medvedev sacked military intelligence chief

On April 24, 2009  the Kremlin announced that President Medvedev had signed a decree that "released" Gen Valentin Korabelnikov from his post as chief of military intelligence GRU and from military service.

Gen Korabelnikov was replaced with Gen Alexander Shlyakhturov. Prior to this Shlyakhturov had served as first deputy to the previous head of the organisation, Gen. Valentin Korabelnikov. Officials gave no reason for the move. Gen Korabelnikov had led the Main Directorate of Intelligence since 1997. He reportedly tendered his resignation earlier this year over objections to proposed reforms of the agency.

In the past few months, top GRU officials and the Defense Ministry were divided on the military reform, primarily its aspects concerning the military intelligence agency.

The sides disagreed on the proposed reduction of special weapons and tactics (SWAT) GRU brigades and their re-subordination to military district headquarters. This process became the focus of contradictory media reports, some of which implied that the Armed Forces would be deprived of their SWAT units.

Despite groundless rumors concerning the GRU's possible liquidation, many analysts knew that a conflict was brewing between top GRU and Defense Ministry officials, and that either the GRU chief or the Defense Minister would have to step down. General Korabelnikov had to resign because Defense Minister Anatoly Serdyukov and his concept of the military reform are supported by the Kremlin.

General Korabelnikov received an honorable discharge, plus the Order of Service to the Fatherland, 3rd class, and was reportedly allowed to choose his successor, General Shlyakhturov.

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