Russian President Vladimir Putin sacks chief of staff Sergei Ivanov Friday Aug 12,2016

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

Sergei Ivanov has been part of Vladimir Putin's trusted inner circle for many years.

Sergei Ivanov.(63)has now been made a special representative for environmental and transport issues.

A statement from the Kremlin said that Vladimir Putin had "decreed to relieve Ivanov of his duties as head of the Russian presidential administration", but gave no reason.

Sergei Ivanov's deputy since 2012, Anton Vaino, has been appointed as his successor.