Vladimir Putin has appointed Alexander Khinshtein, a State Duma deputy from the United Russia party, as acting governor of Kursk Oblast, the Kremlin’s press service reported on December 5.
"Given the current situation in Kursk Oblast, the region clearly requires crisis management. Once the territories are freed from the enemy, significant efforts will be needed to restore housing, utilities, and the economy as a whole," Vladimir Putin stated.
Alexander Khinshtein served as a State Duma deputy representing Samara Oblast across five convocations. He was known for filing reports against Samara region’s officials, including Governor Dmitry Azarov, who was eventually removed from office.
Since May 2024, Kursk Oblast had been under the leadership of Acting Governor Alexey Smirnov, who "won" the gubernatorial election in September. In December, Smirnov stepped down, submitting a resignation letter of his own accord.
Former Kursk Oblast Governor Roman Starovoyt, now Russia’s Minister of Transport, commented that Smirnov’s dismissal was due to "difficulties in establishing communication with the population." In recent months, residents of Kursk Oblast who were forced to abandon their homes due to the Ukrainian military incursion have signed petitions and staged protests, demanding new housing solutions.
