[59448] Russia: Shock in Regional Leadership – Gubernatorial Changes in Belgorod and Bryansk

Shake-up in Russia's Regional Administration: Gubernatorial Changes in Belgorod and Bryansk

In a dramatic move reported by ТАСС and other sources, President Vladimir Putin confirmed the resignations of the governors of the Belgorod region, Vyacheslav Gladkov, and the Bryansk region, Alexander Bogomaz. Gladkov, who held his position for over five years, and Bogomaz, who served for over 11 years, left their posts "of their own free will," reports Медуза — LIVE, highlighting that the decision for Gladkov's departure is attributed to burnout, while Bogomaz's departure stems from the length of his tenure.

In place of Gladkov, General Alexander Shubaev, an alumnus of the "Time of Heroes" reserve program, was appointed acting governor of Belgorod. ВЕДОМОСТИ notes that Shubaev is a Hero of Russia with extensive combat experience. However, his appointment is controversial; according to Один твой друг — кум | #УкрТг (an anti-Russian oriented channel), Shubaev previously commanded a brigade linked to allegations of torture and abuse of soldiers. In the Bryansk region, Igor Kovalchuk was appointed as acting governor, as reported by Темы. Главное (ГлавМедиа).

Reactions to the move are mixed. While some pro-Kremlin channels such as Политджойстик praise Gladkov's service, others such as Хмурое утро (which sharply criticizes the administration) question the circumstances of the departure and Moscow's policy toward ambitious public figures. Российская Газета reported that Gladkov himself thanked President Putin for his support throughout his complex tenure.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed that both former governors "will be offered new positions" in the future, as reported in ЕЖ. At the same time, sources cited in Коммерсантъ speculate that Bogomaz may receive a seat in the Russian State Duma, while Gladkov's fate remains in question, with rumors of a diplomatic or federal government role.