Russia military denies top brass revolt over cuts

By Oleg Shchedrov

MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russia's military took the unusual step on Wednesday of denying media reports that the country's most senior general has tendered his resignation in a row with Defense Minister Anatoly Serdyukov.

Russian newspapers, citing unnamed military sources, reported this week that the chief of general staff, General Yuri Baluyevsky, and some of his aides had offered to resign in protest at planned staff cuts.

President Vladimir Putin has increased funding for the 1.2 million-strong armed forces but he has made clear he wants them to be cost effective. His appointment of Serdyukov, a former tax official with no military background, has irked the top brass.

"The information and public relations department views such publications as irresponsible and states that all 'facts' cited in these publications are not true," the ministry press office said in a statement.

"No decision has been made so far on these problems (possible cuts) which are still being carefully considered," it added. "And indeed, no top-level offers of resignation exist."

Strong economic growth has allowed the government to increase budget funds allocated to the military by about 30 percent each year.

For the first time in years the military is taking receipt of new ships and its bombers have resumed long-range patrols after long periods stranded on the ground because of a shortage of fuel and spare parts.

Kremlin sources have said that Serdyukov, the 45-year-old son-in-law of Prime Minister Viktor Zubkov, was tasked to make sure the cash injection was used efficiently.