Putin Approves Departure of Governors from Belgorod and Bryansk Regions

Leadership Shake-Up in Belgorod and Bryansk

According to Главком: Vladimir Putin has accepted the resignations of the governors of Belgorod and Bryansk-Vyacheslav Gladkov and Alexander Bogomaz. In their place, interim heads have been appointed: Alexander Shuvaev in Belgorod and Yegor Kovaltchuk in Bryansk. No official reasons for the resignations have been provided. The new appointments take effect immediately.

Background on Regional Governance

Vyacheslav Gladkov officially assumed the role of Belgorod governor in September 2021, having served as acting head since November 2020. Alexander Bogomaz, who had led Bryansk since 2014, retained his position after winning the election on September 19, 2025.

Both Belgorod and Bryansk have faced repeated drone attacks. In February 2026, strikes involving drones and missiles caused major power outages across these regions. Ukraine's General Staff reported significant damage at the Kremniy El plant in Bryansk. On the night of March 25, a series of powerful explosions rocked Belgorod due to a missile attack, damaging energy infrastructure and leading to disruptions in electricity, water, and heat supply in the city.

These leadership changes come amid escalating security challenges for both regions, which are experiencing the impacts of the ongoing armed conflict. The resignations may indicate that authorities are seeking fresh approaches to managing areas heavily affected by attacks, potentially influencing stability in these strategically important territories.

Under new leadership, local administrations may prioritize improving security and rebuilding infrastructure damaged by the assaults.