Vice-Admiral Vladimir Dobroskochenko, a deputy to former Russian Northern Fleet Commander Admiral Vyacheslav Popov, has been ordered to temporarily perform the duties of his previous chief, sources at Northern Fleet headquarters at Severomorsk in Murmansk region told Interfax news agency on Sunday.

        Dobroskochenko has more than 30 years’ experience in commanding surface naval units. Until recently, he commanded a Northern Fleet task force.

        The reshuffle in Northern Fleet command announced at the weekend will not negatively affect the command of the Northern Fleet strategic forces or their combat preparedness, a spokesman said.

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