Belgorod governor extends medical leave amid resignation rumors
Belgorod Region Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov has extended his medical leave by another two weeks. His duties continue to be handled by his deputy, Alexander Lorenz, who was appointed head of the regional administration in late August 2024. The move follows earlier speculation about Gladkov’s political future.
Gladkov initially began his leave on 16 April 2026. Shortly after, Vedomosti reported that he might resign early, with suggestions he could take up a diplomatic role as Russia’s ambassador to Abkhazia.
In his absence, Lorenz has taken on the responsibilities of both deputy governor and head of the governor’s administration. A career prosecutor, he previously worked in Omsk Region, serving as first deputy prosecutor from 2012 to 2019. After leaving Omsk, he held prosecutor roles in Stavropol Territory and Yaroslavl Region before moving into regional administration. Residents of Omsk may recognise Lorenz from his earlier work in the area. His experience in prosecutorial agencies has now led him to a key administrative position in Belgorod during Gladkov’s extended absence.
Gladkov’s leave has been prolonged on medical grounds, leaving Lorenz in charge for the time being. The governor’s potential resignation and rumoured diplomatic appointment remain unconfirmed. For now, Lorenz continues to oversee the region’s administration.
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