Russian President Putin approves new government

Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed the decree approving the ministers he appointed, the heads of security and intelligence agencies, and the new cabinet members presented by Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin.

Putin, who took office on May 7 after winning the elections in March, had submitted Mishustin as a prime ministerial candidate to the Duma, the lower house of the Russian parliament, for approval.

Duma deputies had also approved the new list of ministers presented by Mishustin, whom they had accepted as prime minister.

Putin had submitted the ministers and heads of security and intelligence agencies he appointed to the Federation Council for review. The Council had evaluated the names sent by Putin positively.