Former Belgorod Governor Gladkov Nominated as Abkhazia Envoy

June 23, 2026 Vyacheslav Gladkov. @vvgladkov / Telegram Former Belgorod region Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov has been nominated to serve as the Russian ambassador to the Georgian breakaway region of Abkhazia, a senior lawmaker in the State Duma said Tuesday. Konstantin Zatulin, a member of the ruling United Russia party, said the lower house of parliament’s Committee on CIS Affairs endorsed Gladkov’s candidacy to replace the current envoy in Abkhazia, Mikhail Shurgalin. Gladkov himself has not publicly commented on his nomination, which Russian media earlier reported was one among several potential new positions for the official. In May, Gladkov stepped down as governor of the Belgorod region, where he was replaced by Alexander Shuvaev, a highly decorated army general. Gladkov had served as regional executive since November 2020. According to some reports, Gladkov had fallen out of favor with the Kremlin before his resignation announcement. Other reports claimed he had experienced “burnout” due to constant cross-border attacks from Ukraine since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022. Abkhazia is recognized internationally as part of Georgia but has been under de facto Russian control since the two countries fought a brief war in August 2008. Russia maintains a military base in Abkhazia. Read more about: Abkhazia , Elites Sign up for our free weekly newsletter Our weekly newsletter contains a hand-picked selection of news, features, analysis and more from The Moscow Times. You will receive it in your mailbox every Friday. Never miss the latest news from Russia. Preview Subscribers agree to the Privacy Policy We sent a confirmation to your email. Please confirm your subscription. A Message from The Moscow Times: Dear readers, We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent." These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia. We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help. Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact. By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us. Once Monthly Annual Continue Not ready to support today? Remind me later. × Remind me next month Remind me Thank you! Your reminder is set. We will send you one reminder email a month from now. For details on the personal data we collect and how it is used, please see our Privacy Policy. Read more News Analysis Russia Aims to Tighten Grip Over Abkhazia With ‘Foreign Agent’ Designations Russia has named two journalists from Abkhazia, the Georgian breakaway region rocked by protests against an investment deal with Moscow, as "foreign agents... 3 Min read Russia Lifts Abkhazia Travel Advisory Following Pro-Kremlin Leader’s Election Win Russia’s Foreign Ministry had issued the advisory in November after mass demonstrations erupted over a Russian investment bill. 1 Min read Russian Official Wanted by ICC Marries U.S.-Sanctioned Media Mogul – Reports Children’s rights ombudsman Maria Lvova-Belova and Konstantin Malofeyev were reportedly wed in the elite Moscow region village of Deauville. 2 Min read How Moscow's Museums Are Making Everyone Welcome Instead of simply viewing the striking contemporary artwork on display at “Co-thinkers” — Garage’s latest exhibition — you’re encouraged to...