Russian President Vladimir Putin appointed Batu Khasikov acting head and Prime Minister of the Republic of Kalmykia until an elected head of the republic takes office, according to the presidential press service.
Khasikov is a social and political activist, he was representative for the Republic of Kalmykia in the Federation Council (2012-2014).
Earlier, Putin accepted the resignation request filed by the Head of the Republic of Kalmykia Alexei Orlov for the early termination of his mandate.