Putin Replaces Two Governors Near Ukraine Border

Independent Russian and regional outlets describe the shake-up as a Kremlin response to mounting security failures and public anger in Belgorod and Bryansk. They highlight that Vyacheslav Gladkov had become a rare regional figure publicly airing residents’ complaints about constant shelling and poor protection. These outlets expect the new governors to be more politically loyal and less outspoken, while real control over security remains with Moscow and the military.

• •Gladkov’s resignation in Belgorod is linked to his public criticism of Moscow’s handling of border defence.
• •The Kremlin is replacing governors in Belgorod and Bryansk to contain local discontent over constant attacks.
• •New acting governors Denis Shuvaev and Alexander Kovalchuk are seen as more reliable political managers for the presidential administration.
• •Real decisions on air defence and troop deployments in Belgorod and Bryansk remain in the hands of federal security structures, not the governors.
• •The shake-up is part of a wider pattern of removing regional leaders who draw attention to wartime failures inside Russia.