New Russian Cabinet announced

MOSCOW, May 12 (UPI) -- Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin has appointed a new government that looks very much like the one he headed as Russia's president.

Many of the key ministers who served Putin when he was president will remain in the government of his chosen successor Dmitry Medvedev, the Russian news agency RIA Novosti reported Monday.

Retaining their posts are Defense Minister Anatoly Serdyukov, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and Interior Minister Rashid Nurgaliyev.

Alexei Kudrin has been named finance minister.

The news agency says the number of deputy premiers is being increased under the new government from five to seven.

Former Prime Minister Viktor Zubkov and former presidential aide Igor Shuvalov will serve as first deputy prime ministers.

The government is adding a new ministry of sports, tourism and youth policy which will be headed by the chief of the Russian Football Union, Vitaly Mutko, RIA Novosti said.