Defense Minister Anatoly Serdyukov is sacked as a scandal embroils his ministry -- state media . The Russian government has been rocked by the resignation of its top defense official, who was accused in an investigation into alleged corruption and abuse of power. Putin said he was sacking Serdyukov to ensure an objective investigation , state media report . Russia 's large military is in the midst of a much-needed modernization program .
Defense Minister Anatoly Serdyukov is sacked as a scandal embroils his ministry -- state media . Sergey Shoigu , a former Emergencies Minister , is the newly appointed head of defense . Putin said he was sacking Serdyukov to ensure an objective investigation , state media report . Russia 's large military is in the midst of a much-needed modernization program .