Vyacheslav Gladkov, the former head of Russia’s Belgorod region who left office in May, is set to become Russia’s ambassador to partially recognized Abkhazia. His candidacy has already been approved by the State Duma committee on CIS affairs.
The committee’s first deputy chairman, Konstantin Zatulin, told the outlet that the discussion was held behind closed doors. According to him, Gladkov personally answered lawmakers’ questions.
Zatulin said the appointment “is connected with a change of ambassador in Abkhazia.”
Russia’s ambassador to Abkhazia since 2022 has been Mikhail Shurgalin.
Reports about Gladkov’s possible new appointment had appeared earlier. In late April, Vedomosti, citing sources, wrote that after resigning he could receive this exact post. Sources close to the presidential administration cited by Meduza also said that several years ago officials had discussed moving him to a job in Moscow, either in the government or the State Duma.
In April 2026, Meduza’s sources described the Abkhazia option as logical. They said Gladkov has support from people around Sergei Kiriyenko, who oversees the Kremlin’s political bloc and whose area of responsibility includes Abkhazia.
Gladkov had led the Belgorod region since 2021. Rumors of his resignation emerged in April 2026, and on May 13 it was announced that he had submitted his resignation letter. Alexander Shuvayev, previously a deputy head of the Irkutsk region, was appointed acting governor.