Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev announced that the Russian Government has resigned under Article 117 of the Constitution, Interfax reports.
Russian President Vladimir Putin directed the old composition of the Government to perform its duties until a new cabinet of ministers is formed.
According to Article 117, the Government may be dissolved upon its own decision, upon resolution of the President or if the State Duma (lower house of the Russian parliament) files a no-confidence motion against the Government. A more complicated option is possible if the President raises the issue of confidence in the Government with the State Duma. In this case, the President will decide upon dissolution of the Government upon expiration of seven days.
Media reported that the President will offer Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev a position of the deputy head of the Security Council.