Not a New Face in the Prosecutor's Office: President Meets with Prosecutor General Alexander Guzhan in the Kremlin

Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Alexander Gutsan in early December 2025 to formally appoint him as the country’s new prosecutor general. The meeting marked Gutsan’s first official discussion with Putin since his nomination was approved by the Federation Council in September. His appointment follows the departure of Igor Krasnov, who left the role to become chairman of the Supreme Court.

Gutsan’s career in law spans decades. He worked in the prosecutor’s office from 1987 to 2005 before briefly joining the Federal Penitentiary Service. By 2007, he had returned to the Prosecutor General’s Office, eventually rising to deputy prosecutor general. In 2018, Putin appointed him as presidential envoy to the Northwestern Federal District, a position he held for seven years.

After Krasnov’s move to the Supreme Court in late August 2025, the prosecutor general’s post remained vacant. Putin nominated Gutsan to fill the role on September 18, and the Federation Council confirmed his appointment six days later. During their December meeting, Putin opened the conversation by noting Gutsan’s long experience within the Prosecutor General’s Office. He stressed the importance of the agency’s work in protecting citizens’ rights and legal interests. The two then discussed the challenges ahead, including Gutsan’s transition into his new role. Cameras were turned off shortly after, and the rest of their discussion remained private. The Kremlin later stated that some topics were too sensitive for public disclosure. Gutsan has since outlined his priorities. These include strengthening efforts against corruption, terrorism, and extremism. He also plans to modernise the prosecutor’s office through digital upgrades and improved staff training.

Gutsan now leads Russia’s Prosecutor General’s Office after a career spanning prosecutorial work, federal service, and regional governance. His appointment comes at a time of institutional change, with Krasnov’s shift to the Supreme Court leaving a key position to fill. The new prosecutor general’s focus on corruption, security threats, and modernisation will shape the agency’s direction in the coming years.