It does not look as though Ustinov expected this sort of outcome from his meeting with the president. According to information gathered by Kommersant, Ustinov briefed the president on the results of eighteen months work on preparation and organization of submarine maneuvers in August 2000.

After hearing Ustinov's report, Putin summoned Defense Minister Ivanov, Chief of General Staff Kvashnin, and Navy Commander Kuroyedov. The president briefed them on what Ustinov has said and asked for "proposals on staff solutions and system of measures aimed at improving the Navy in general". The response was instantaneous and 14 officers were dismissed for "serious organizational flaws".

As a result, the Northern Fleet was decapitated overnight.

According to information available at this point, a new Northern Fleet commander will be appointed soon.