Russian President Vladimir Putin dissolved Wednesday the government at the request of the country's Prime Minister Mikhail Fradkov, Russian media reported.

The government dissolution, which will be soon followed by the formation of a new Cabinet, is a major political shakeup for Russia ahead of parliamentary elections of in less than three months.

The political move is expected to result in a new prime minister, who will be seen as Putin's choice to succeed him after he steps down next spring. The president thanked Fradkov for his service as prime minister, and asked him to stay on as acting premier until the lower house of parliament, the State Duma, votes in a new candidate.

Putin said: "The country is nearing parliamentary elections to be followed by presidential elections... We all need to think together about building the power and governing structure so that they can better meet the needs of the pre-election period, and prepare the country for the time after parliamentary and presidential elections in March 2008."

In submitting his request at a meeting with Putin, Fradkov said the government's dissolution was needed due to upcoming political events, and the need to give the president freedom in making decisions, including staffing changes.

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