Admiral Mikhail Abramov, the chief of Russia's Navy Staff, has submitted his resignation citing poor health, a high-ranking military source told RIA Novosti.
"Admiral Abramov is in a hospital and he recently submitted a request to be discharged from military service," the source said.
The source also said 58-year-old Admiral Alexander Tatarinov, who currently serves as a first deputy Navy commander, would most likely be appointed the new Navy chief of staff.
"Admiral Tatarinov is the perfect candidate for this post. Prior to his current post, he served as chief of staff and later as commander of Russia's Black Sea Fleet," the source said.