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Putin cancels event to meet defense minister

EPA-EFE / ALEXEI DRUZHININ

Russia's President Vladimir Putin canceled a scheduled event on Tuesday in order to meet Defense Minister Sergey Shoygu, local media reported citing presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov.

"Vladimir Putin canceled his participation in the Rivers of Russia forum," Peskov stated and noted Deputy Prime Minister Olga Golodets will speak at the event instead of Putin. "The president is scheduled to meet with Defense Minister Sergey Shoygu soon," he added.

No reason has been given for the meeting between the president and the defense minister, but the announcement comes after 14 Russian soldiers died in an explosion on a reportedly nuclear-powered submarine. Meanwhile, United States Vice President Mike Pence also canceled a scheduled event appearance in New Hampshire after he was called back to the White House. It is not clear if the actions are related.

Breaking the News / NP