Defense Minister purged signify behind the scenes fighting inside Russia dictatorship leadership

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Putin plays high-stakes game with anti-graft drive

AFP – When Vladimir Putin fired Anatoly Serdyukov, his defence minister and one of only three officials with access to nuclear launch codes, Russia was stunned. Never before had the Russian strongman, who is well-known for his aversion to high-profile sackings, fired government officials of such stature.