Russian President Vladimir Putin has unexpectedly dismissed his chief of staff, Sergei Ivanov.

Mr. Ivanov has been part of Mr. Putin’s trusted inner circle for many years, the BBC reports.

The 63-year-old has now been made a special representative for environmental and transport issues.

A statement from the Kremlin said Mr. Putin had “decreed to relieve Ivanov of his duties as head of the Russian presidential administration,” but gave no reason for the decision.

Mr. Ivanov’s deputy since 2012, Anton Vaino, has been appointed as his successor.

Credit: AFP