General Kvashnin urges reductions in missile troops

The row began when the Chief of the General Staff, General Anatoly Kvashnin, suggested that the Strategic Missile Forces should be reduced from 22 divisions to just two, and subordinated to the Air Forces.

This was too much for the Defence Minister, Marshal Igor Sergeyev, a former commander-in-chief of the Missile Troops, who said he would resign if such a move were made.

He later denied this - but he and General Kvashnin were summoned to see President Vladimir Putin twice in three days.

Future defences

Now the Security Council is expected to decide the future shape of Russia's armed forces.

This unelected, advisory body brings together the president and his most powerful ministers.

Defence Minister Igor Sergeyev: Resignation threat

Many of Russia's land-based strategic missiles will become obsolete by 2003.

If, as some observers believe, the nuclear emphasis switches to air and submarine-borne missiles, there will be little role left for separate missile troops.

The real sign that a compromise has been achieved will be if, when the meeting is over, Marshal Sergeyev and General Kvashnin are still in their respective posts.