Vladimir Uyba, the head of the Republic of Komi, announced on his Telegram channel on November 5 that he is stepping down to take a position "at the federal level."
Former governor Vladimir Uyba did not specify his new role or workplace. He expressed gratitude to the residents for their support and to district heads for their collaboration.
"We gave everything to make your lives better and more comfortable <...> The Republic of Komi and its residents have become close to me and will forever hold a place in my heart," Uyba said.
Elections for Komi’s new head are scheduled for September 14, 2025. Rostislav Goldstein, former head of the Jewish Autonomous Oblast, has been appointed acting governor.
Vladimir Uyba took office as Komi’s governor in 2020. At his first press conference, when asked about the September elections, he stated his intention to remain in the republic for at least 10 years, saying, "Don’t expect that I will be here for a short time. Get used to it."
During his four-year tenure, Uyba was involved in several controversies. For example, during a meeting with residents of a village in Komi, he compared himself to the president, remarking, “What Putin? Here, for you, I am Putin.” He also struggled to form a stable administration, having replaced at least 50 ministers and deputy heads of government since 2020.