Peskov: Astakhov to step down after returning from vacation

Pavel Astakhov will step down as the children’s ombudsman after returning from his vacation, Russian presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.

"At the moment Pavel Astakhov is away on vacation. De jure, he continues working. However, I can confirm that he will resign when he returns from vacation. The presidential decree will be signed then," TASS cited him as saying.

According to the Kremlin spokesman, Astakhov will step down "of his own free will." He added that no candidates for the position have been discussed yet, "it is a matter of perspective, it is premature to discuss now who will take up the post."