In North Ossetia, Yuri Abaev has been appointed Minister of Labor and Social Development—a Russian military officer and participant in the "Time of Heroes" program who is suspected of killing Ukrainian prisoners. The decision was commented on by the head of the republic, Sergey Menyailo.
"The president has given us a clear directive: to build a team of managers from those who have proven their loyalty to the country. Yuri Abaev is exactly such a person. <...> As his mentor, I know his capabilities well. I am confident he will succeed," Menyailo stated.
As reported by "Important Stories," Abaev serves as deputy commander of the 70th Guards Motor Rifle Regiment. In February 2024, he was awarded the title of Hero of Russia, after which he became a participant in the presidential personnel program "Time of Heroes."
According to Ukraine's Main Intelligence Directorate (GUR), Abaev and three of his fellow servicemen may have participated in the execution of four Ukrainian prisoners of war in May 2024 near Robotyne in Zaporizhzhia Oblast.