Vladimir Putin appoints ex-security council chief as Kremlin aide

Vladimir Putin has appointed one of his closest allies, Nikolai Patrushev, as an official aide, in the latest reshuffle of his inner circle.

The 72-year-old was replaced as head of Russia’s Security Council by sacked defence minister Sergei Shoigu on Monday.

His friendship with the Russian president dates back to the 1970s, when the pair worked in the KGB.

It is not clear whether Mr Patrushev’s new role constitutes a demotion.

For a long time considered one of the most powerful men in Russia, and a protagonist in Mr Putin’s campaign against the West, he will likely still hold a significant role.

Indeed, in modern Russia, you do not have to have a particular job title to have the president’s ear.