Putin dismisses Russian government

Vladimir Putin has reportedly announced the resignationa of the Russian government live on television.

Vladimir Putin has reportedly announced the resignation of the Russian government live on television.

He sacked Prime Minister Mikhail Kasyanov today, the presidential press service said.

There was no immediate reason given for the dismissal, but speculation that Kasyanov was on the way out had rife for months.

Deputy Prime Minister Viktor Khristenko was named acting prime minister.