Putin Replaces Governors in Two Russian Regions Bordering Ukraine

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Moscow: Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday replaced the governors of Belgorod and Bryansk, two Russian territories that border Ukraine and have been repeatedly attacked since the beginning of Moscow's military offensive in 2022.

The Kremlin pointed out that Alexander Bogomaz, the governor of Bryansk, and Vyacheslav Gladkov, the governor of Belgorod, had resigned "at their own request," although he refused to give further clarification.

Alexander Shuvaev, a distinguished army commander and veteran of Russia's military operations in Syria, Ukraine, and the North Caucasus, has been appointed as the acting governor of Belgorod by Putin. The acting governor of Bryansk is Yegor Kovalchuk, a former official from Russian-occupied Luhansk in eastern Ukraine.
Throughout the conflict, the Belgorod and Bryansk regions have frequently been the target of Ukrainian drone strikes, artillery fire, and cross-border incursions; local officials have repeatedly reported civilian casualties and infrastructure damage. Because of its close proximity to northeastern Ukraine, Belgorod in particular has become one of the Russian regions most affected by the conflict.

The appointments indicate how the Kremlin relies more and more on military and security-related personnel to manage strategically important border regions. Shuvaev also participates in the ‘Time of Heroes’ program, which is supported by the Kremlin and aims to place veterans of the struggle in high-level administrative and government roles.
The reorganisation follows the earlier dismissal of former Kursk governor Alexei Smirnov, who is currently being accused of corruption, and comes with broader leadership changes in Russia's border districts.

Due to an increase in drone operations and cross-border strikes in recent months, Moscow has stepped up security measures in areas that border Ukraine.