Resigned Belgorod Governor Gladkov Thanks Putin, Wishes for Victory in Final Address

Vyacheslav Gladkov, the former governor of Russia’s Belgorod region, posted a video address on his Telegram channel on May 14, 2026, following his resignation. In the message, Gladkov thanked President Vladimir Putin for his constant support and assistance during the extremely difficult operational situation faced by the region. He also expressed gratitude to local residents for their strength and even to critics, whose concerns helped analyze administrative actions. Gladkov concluded by wishing everyone peace, prosperity, and, most importantly, Victory, asserting that the Belgorod region had earned it more than anyone else. The Kremlin had announced Gladkov’s voluntary resignation on May 13, which Putin accepted. Alexander Shuvaev, the deputy governor of Irkutsk and a participant in the war against Ukraine, was appointed as the acting head of the region. Gladkov, who served since 2021, faces an uncertain future, with rumors suggesting potential roles as a deputy minister or ambassador to Abkhazia, though no official position has been confirmed by the Kremlin's political bloc.