Russia's GRU acting boss named - source

First Deputy Head of the Russian General Staff’s Main Intelligence Department (GRU) Vice-Admiral Igor Kostyukov was named acting head of the Russian Main Intelligence Directorate (GRU) of the General Staff following the death of intelligence chief Igor Korobov, according to a military source.

"First Deputy Head of the Russian General Staff’s Main Intelligence Department Igor Kostyukov has been appointed as the Department’s acting head," TASS cited the source as saying.

Kostyukov is also the main candidate for the post of GRU boss, the source said. 

The GRU’s previous chief, Igor Korobov has died aged 63 after a serious illness.

Kostyukov was born on February 21, 1961. He first earned a degree at a naval educational institution and then graduated from the Military Diplomatic Academy, after which he came to serve in the Main Intelligence Department.

As one of the heads of Russian military intelligence, he directly took part in exercising control over the military operation in Syria.