Pavel Konovalchik's New Appointment
The Russian government has named Pavel Konovalchik as the First Deputy Director General of the state-run TASS news agency. Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin formalized the decision, which was published on the official legal information portal. The decree confirms Konovalchik's role at the federal state unitary enterprise 'Information Telegraph Agency of Russia.' This move places a former security official at the helm of a major state media outlet.
Prior to this appointment, Pavel Konovalchik served as an assistant to the Secretary of Russia's Security Council from July 2024 until March 2026. President Vladimir Putin signed the decree relieving him of this post on March 12. During his tenure at the Security Council, Konovalchik worked directly under Sergei Shoigu, Russia's former Defense Minister and current Security Council Secretary.
Latvia's Actions Against Russian-Language Media
In a separate development, Latvia's National Electronic Mass Media Council (NEPLP) has urged the nation's parliament, the Saeima, to adopt a decision to gradually terminate the operations of all private radio stations broadcasting in Russian. NEPLP Chairman Ivars Abolins stated this initiative is a response to the increased activity of Russian special services on Latvian territory, a threat previously highlighted by Latvia's State Security Service (VDD).
VDD Chief Normunds Mežviets expressed concern over Moscow's attempts to recruit individuals with criminal backgrounds to prepare acts of sabotage. These measures reflect heightened security concerns in the Baltic states following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
The leadership change at TASS and Latvia's media restrictions point to evolving challenges within the regional information space, driven by current geopolitical tensions. These events underscore increasing regional strain and the perceived need for state institutions to counter threats related to information security and foreign influence.