Kremlin Dissenter Loses Many Duties

Russian President Vladimir V. Putin on Monday stripped many duties from his top economic advisor, an outspoken critic who has accused the Kremlin of trying to muzzle voices of dissent in Russia.

Andrei Illarionov will no longer be Russia’s envoy to the Group of 8 industrial nations, the Kremlin said.

Another Putin aide, Igor Shuvalov, was given Illarionov’s duties, which typically involve preparations for G-8 summit and meetings.

The Kremlin gave no reason for the shift in responsibilities. But Illarionov last week criticized the government’s breakup of Yukos Oil Co. and warned of far-reaching repercussions for Russia’s economy. And after Western-leaning Ukrainian candidate Viktor Yushchenko won his nation’s court-ordered presidential revote last month, Illarionov said the victory should help Russia lose its “imperial complex” toward former Soviet republics such as Ukraine.

Many observers had forecast that Illarionov was on his way out because of disagreements with other Kremlin figures.

Illarionov called last month’s Kremlin-orchestrated auction of Yukos’ main production unit the “fraud of the year” and said the government’s actions had “inflicted a colossal damage to the country.” Putin had called the deal legal and praised it.

Shuvalov is widely considered a more loyal advisor to Putin, and he has stoutly defended the crackdown on Yukos.