MOSCOW. Feb 13 (Interfax-AVN) - Chairman of the State Duma defense committee Andrei Nikolayev believes that Russia's military leaders are capable of remaining in their posts until President Vladimir Putin's term in office expires.
"The leaders of the Defense Ministry seem to have received a blank check from the president, and they must work at least until the presidential term expires," Nikolayev told a news conference in Moscow on Thursday.
In response to questions, the lawmaker said he was opposed to firing Defense Minister Sergei Ivanov. "Sergei Ivanov has been working as the defense minister for only two years, and I believe that one has to hold this position for at least five to six years to effect changes for the better in the Defense Ministry," he said.