Russian President Vladimir Putin has fired Defense Minister Anatoly Serdyukov. This comes amid a major embezzlement case involving the Oboronservis company which is affiliated to the Russian Defense Ministry.­ Pictured: February 22,2012. Defense Minister Anatoly Serdyukov (back) and head of Russian government Vladimir Putin (front) at the military dining room when visiting Taman rifle infantry brigade in Alabino.