President Vladimir Putin has fired a regional governor days after a protest against Russian involvement in the conflict in Ukraine.
The Kremlin announced the dismissal of the Bryansk region's governor, Nikolai Denin, on September 9, saying he had lost the president's trust.
The statement did not elaborate.
Veterans of the Soviet Union's war in Afghanistan held a demonstration in Bryansk on September 5 to protest what they said was Russian involvement in the military conflict between government forces and pro-Russian separatists in eastern Ukraine.
Russia denies it has sent troops or weapons into Ukraine.
The veterans are planning another demonstration on September 13.
Both public actions have been officially permitted by local authorities.