Vyacheslav Gladkov, formerly the governor of Russia’s Belgorod region, has been appointed as Russia’s ambassador to Abkhazia by President Vladimir Putin. The State Duma committee approved his candidacy following his resignation from the Belgorod governorship. Sources suggest this move is logical, as Gladkov reportedly has the support of Sergey Kiriyenko’s inner circle, whose responsibilities include Abkhazia.

• Vyacheslav Gladkov appointed Russia’s ambassador to Abkhazia.
• Gladkov previously served as governor of Belgorod region from 2021.
• His resignation as governor was announced on May 13, with rumors surfacing in April 2026.
• The appointment is considered ‘logical’ by Meduza sources close to the presidential administration.
• Gladkov enjoys support from Sergey Kiriyenko’s inner circle, which oversees Abkhazia.