Leadership has changed in Russia's Belgorod and Bryansk regions, which border Ukraine. On May 13, President Vladimir Putin accepted the resignations of Belgorod Region Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov and Bryansk Region head Aleksandr Bogomaz. According to official reports, both officials left their posts of their own volition.
Who are the new leaders?
Responsibility for managing the regions has been temporarily transferred to new personnel:
Belgorod Region: Appointed as acting head is Aleksandr Shuvayev. He is a participant in the military operations in Ukraine and was trained as a management cadre under the “Time of Heroes” state program. Since the beginning of this year, Shuvayev had been serving as Deputy Governor of the Irkutsk Region.
Bryansk Region: Appointed to lead this region is Yegor Kovalchuk. He is a graduate of the “School of Governors” and previously held high-ranking positions in the Chelyabinsk Region. He also served as the “head of government” for the “Luhansk People's Republic” structure in Russian-occupied territories.
Future of the former governors
According to reports, the outgoing Vyacheslav Gladkov may eventually occupy the post of Deputy Minister of Economic Development or Ambassador to Abkhazia. Aleksandr Bogomaz is expected to continue his career as a State Duma deputy.
Difficult situation in border regions
These appointments come at a time when the situation on the border with Ukraine has escalated. Both regions have been subject to regular attacks during the war:
Belgorod Region: Due to strikes in early 2026, the region experienced major power outages. In March, the city faced a heavy missile attack. According to Gladkov, since the conflict began, the region has seen 320 people lose their lives, and 2,500 people injured.
Bryansk Region: This region is also frequently targeted by drones. Notably, a major fire was recorded at a “Druzhba” oil pipeline facility at the end of 2024.
It is worth noting that the Kremlin began replacing leaders in border regions earlier. In December 2024, the Governor of the Kursk Region was also removed from his post due to dissatisfaction with his actions during the Ukrainian Armed Forces' offensive.
Do you think the newly appointed personnel with military and management experience can ensure security in the border regions?
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